Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings. To enter to win Jerry's painting "Almost" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing their interview.
From Jerry's DPW Gallery Page:
My name is Jerry Brown.
After 52 years as a traveling showman, I hung up the juggling clubs, extinguished the fire-torches, closeted the ukulele, stuffed the bunny back into the hat, and took up serious water color painting, something that I had dreamed of doing for years, but never had the opportunity.
When I started painting in July, 2018, I was simply hoping to paint images that were worth looking at, so that I could paint Christmas gifts for my family, but the minute I took up the brush, it was like déjà vu all over again! The perfect fit: so much so that I have continued to devote 3 to 4 hours per day to exploring this wonderful (and sometimes frustrating) medium, winning numerous awards for excellence over the past four years, and working to master watercolor, one painting at a time.
I hope you find something to treasure.
After 52 years as a traveling showman, I hung up the juggling clubs, extinguished the fire-torches, closeted the ukulele, stuffed the bunny back into the hat, and took up serious water color painting, something that I had dreamed of doing for years, but never had the opportunity.
When I started painting in July, 2018, I was simply hoping to paint images that were worth looking at, so that I could paint Christmas gifts for my family, but the minute I took up the brush, it was like déjà vu all over again! The perfect fit: so much so that I have continued to devote 3 to 4 hours per day to exploring this wonderful (and sometimes frustrating) medium, winning numerous awards for excellence over the past four years, and working to master watercolor, one painting at a time.
I hope you find something to treasure.
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| Almost (click to view) Enter to win by clicking on the link at the top of the DPW home page announcing interview |
What did you want to be growing up?
I have always been involved in creative arts: music, theater, and, most recently, visual art.
When did your artistic journey begin?
When did your artistic journey begin?
Like I said, I have always been involved in creative arts. I spent 52 years as a traveling variety entertainer, performing music, magic, juggling, fire-eating, stilt-walking, and working with trained animals, at venues all over the United States. My obsession with watercolor and visual arts started when my showman business got ‘retired’ by Covid-19 and all of my shows got cancelled I had just begun to dabble in watercolor when Covid hit, and I started devoting 3 -4 hours per day in studio, painting.
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| Lititz Springs Park (click to view) |
Did you have any long periods without creative expression? How did you get back on the horse?
Never had a period without creative expression since I was making my living as a professional performing artist, but I had always wanted to do something visual, but never really had the chance while I was busy making a living. Why I decided to take up watercolor at the age of 74, I really don’t know, but, as it turned out, it was a very fortuitous choice. From the minute I picked up a brush, it felt like I had always painted.
Which mediums and genres do you gravitate toward? Which ones don’t appeal?
I chose watercolor for some unknown reason, but I’m awfully glad I did. I am enthralled by the medium and love experimenting with what water and pigment and gravity can do together.
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| Giverny Pond (click to view) |
What was the process like of pinpointing your personal style or finding your voice?
I couldn’t tell you. I am still very much in the early stages of exploring, but I am obsessed with watercolor, and devoted to my daily studio time
Name an artist (or artists), well-known or not, who you admire. Why?
When I decided to take up watercolor, and new absolutely nothing about it, I, of course, turned to my good friend Google and stumbled upon painters who were demonstrating on YouTube, so that’s how I started, with artists like Tim Wilmot, Gary Tucker, Vladislav Yeliseyev, and Joseph Zbukvic: all excellent artists whom I admire greatly.
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| Incoming (click to view) |
If you could offer one piece of advice to your younger, creative self — what would that be?
Easy: Paint!
Do you utilize any habits or tricks for winning the distraction and procrastination battle?
Do you utilize any habits or tricks for winning the distraction and procrastination battle?
I am so passionate about my work, and thankful, at my age, to have something that gets me up in the morning, I have no difficulty focusing on my work. My studio time is ‘sacred’ to me, and I do my best to make sure that nothing intrudes or keeps me away.
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| Extra Virgin (click to view) |
In moments of self-doubt or adversity, how do you push forward?
When I have a failed painting, and am convinced that I can’t paint, I just remember one of my mentors saying, “It’s only paper.”
What are some of your long and short term goals for yourself or your art?
Long term and short term are identical: Master the medium.
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| D.C. Escape (click to view) |
What does success mean to you personally?
Well, I am still pretty much awed by the ‘validation’ of my work when people seek to own my paintings.
What is one of your proudest moments in your creative life?
What is one of your proudest moments in your creative life?
Being invited, at the age of 78, to be featured as an emerging artist at a well known local gallery. (short list, huh?)
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