DAILY PAINTWORKS News: DPW Spotlight Interview: Evan Wilson

Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings. To enter to win Evan's painting "12am" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing their interview.

What did you want to be growing up?

To be honest, I didn’t know what I wanted to be, but I did have an answer prepared for when people would ask me. I always said that I wanted to be a brain surgeon. I think I came up with that answer because it was the most complicated career path I could imagine and I wanted to impress people.

When did your artistic journey begin?

My artistic journey began when I was a child. I still have drawings from when I was seven years old, so at least as far back as that. Luckily, my parents saved all of my art from when I was that young and it’s fun to look back and see what I came up with at that age.


12am (click to view) Enter to win by clicking on the link at the top of the DPW home page announcing Evan's interview.

Did you have long periods without creative expression?

I’ve never really had a time in my life for more than a few months when I wasn’t creating something. Throughout my childhood, teenage years, and up until now, I’ve always done something creative. I’m not happy unless I’m creating something and that's always been the case.

Which mediums and genres do you gravitate toward? Which ones don’t appeal?

I really gravitate towards oil paint more than anything. I also really enjoy looking at drawings and charcoal but my heart is always drawn to oil paint. The texture that oil paint can also create adds something very appealing that I don’t find with other mediums. I think that paintings of interiors and nocturne paintings really strike me the most. I’m not super interested in sculptures!

Storefront
(click to view)

What was the process like of pinpointing your personal style or finding your voice?

It’s a fun process! My taste changes and evolves the more art I look at, and I love incorporating different elements I discover into my paintings. Having been painting for only a few years means that I am still pinpointing my personal style but I know what I like to paint (and how) and I know what I don’t like, and that’s important.

Name an artist (or artists), well-known or not, who you admire. Why?

I really admire Richard Claremont at the moment. There is something very captivating about his style that draws you in and keeps you there. His style makes you think that what you are looking at is the spirit of the subject, not the form. Details are blurred, edges are fuzzy, and shapes are distorted. It all makes sense though and I never get tired of looking.

Passing Sun
(click to view)

If you could offer one piece of advice to your younger, creative self — what would that be?

Start painting now and don’t wait until you’re older.

Do you utilize any habits or tricks for winning the distraction and procrastination battle?

I am always looking at art whether it’s on Instagram or Pinterest, and I usually am finding art that inspires me. Looking at beautiful art usually keeps me on my feet. Going to art stores to browse painting supplies also helps since I always want to buy new material and start new paintings.

Midnight Oil 2
(click to view)

In moments of self-doubt or adversity, how do you push forward?

Usually going to the gym and/or waiting until the next day makes me feel better. Feelings are fleeting and just knowing things will feel different tomorrow and in a week from now helps.

What are some of your long and short term goals for yourself or your art?

I don’t have any long term goals. My short term goal is to create art that I love and that people love. As long as I’m doing that, I’m good.