Texas
What inspired your winning entry? A haunting feeling of loss, and the road through it, hopefully to recovery. The man’s hands hold his head as he tries to regain a sense of self. Water runs down his face, suggesting healing. His closed eyes provide a sense of inner contemplation as well as mystery. I think this labyrinth exists in all of us.
How would you describe your style? I work to be the best I can be technically, but my goal—my joy as an artist—is to capture the emotions inside the person in my drawing.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Embrace what makes you unique.
What artists have influenced your work? I’ve always admired the lighting of Caravaggio. In today’s art, I admire Cecile Baird’s work. I also like the compositions of Casey Baugh and Holly Siniscal.
Where did you study art? I studied at Texas A&M University and in Italy. I’m still very much a student, though. I bounce ideas off my wife and parents (all are artists). Having other eyes on my work provides clarity and perspective. It also helps keep my own emotions in check.
What is your creative process? I begin with an idea that I sketch out. Next, I take photos and edit them in Photoshop, creating a reference photo. I also take many close-up shots of my models for detail. Afterwards, I begin the drawing in colored pencil, building off of—but not copying—the reference photo.
What galleries represent your work? RJD Gallery, Bridgehampton, NY.
This story was featured in the December 2018 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art December 2018 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.
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