1) How do you price you work?
My prices are a combination of 3 elements:
1.degree of difficulty
2. Square Footage or size of painted space
3. Cost of materials and special equipment. |
2) When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
Since I was a young child, I’ve been introducing myself as an artist. I have always had a sketchbook with me. “I didn’t choose art… it chose me.” |
3) How long does it take to finish your murals?
Most of my work takes between 5 – 15 days, depending on the size and difficulty of the space. I don’t paint real quick washes. My work is very detailed and carefully crafted. |
4) What kind of paint do you use?
I only use the best. For my base coats, I use Benjamin Moore flat interior latex. The bulk of my work is painted with liquid pigments and AquaCream faux glaze medium. For detailed highlights I use a high grade artist acrylic. I have painted some of my higher quality projects in oil paints. |
5) Do you have a favorite artist?
No…. I have many: Thomas Moran, Rembrandt van Rijn, Claude Monet, Salvador Dalí, Andy Goldsworthy, Caravaggio, Jan Vermeer, Hieronymus Bosch, John Singer Sargent, Alex Grey, Raphael, Albrecht Durer, Chuck Close, Gustav Klimt, M.C. Escher and many many more. This is just the painters. |
6) What is Trompe L'Oeil?
Trompe l'oeil is French for " trick the eye ". Trompe l'oeil murals are paintings, usually on a wall, (or ceiling, floor etc.), that when viewed from the right position, should deceive the viewer into thinking it is real. The main concern in these paintings is to create an illusion of a three dimensional space. The main benefits of trompe l'oeil murals are that they can create an illusion of a space that could not normally exist, would not be affordable to create or would defy the laws of nature. |
7) What advise would you give someone interested in a career as a muralist?
Work for a professional for more than a year! The amount of experience and knowledge available with someone who is well established is priceless. Expect to work harder than you ever have. Becoming a good painter requires an enormous dedication. It’s more than a job, it’s a way of life, a constant thought process. Don’t do it for the money. Few artist find a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. For myself it’s an inner journey to see where it takes me. I paint because it’s my vehicle to knowledge. Take business classes. Successful artists have a business mind. |
8) What are your future goals?
I plan on getting bigger jobs. I’d like to paint the biggest mural in the world. I hope to afford a few months to put together an art show of my ideas and personal work. I have a few book ideas. And I’d like to study in Itally for a while. |
9) Do you have any artist friends with websites?
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10) How did you learn to paint?
I didn’t paint until I got to college. I began painting after classes in the painting studio with some friends. It took me a whole year before I got into a painting class. I only took one semester, but I learned a great deal. Our teacher was the best. Other than the one class, I’m self taught. I do study the works of other artist, both past and present, but it’s all relative, painting is the outcome of intense studying of the world around you. Just like music and writing. I write too. (link) |
11) Have more Questions?
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