Michael Brown is a self-taught artist. He started airbrush painting in 2011. It was something he wanted to try just to paint his model planes. It turned out to be a great and very relaxing hobby.
1. How did you get to where you are right now as an artist?
I never give up! I am the type of person that will keep pushing until I get results that I am happy with. Most of the time I am not happy, but after working on a project for a length of time I find myself trying to make areas too perfect, and at the end of the day most people that will look at the subject matter will not even notice very small details.
Being a Tool and Die maker by trade, I have to work to very close tolerances. You develop an eye for accuracy and errors. Looking at shapes instead of looking at an eye or a nose, I try to place the right shape in the right spot even though my mind is telling me that’s not how it should look!
In the past year, I have been able to produce colours close to any subject matter that I am working on! It was a eureka moment in my life!
Airbrush painting 18 x 24
2. Do you think it is important to have a formal education in order to be an artist?
If you plan on making a living at being an artist it will definitely shorten the learning curve, color theory, perspective, angles etc…..
3. Describe a typical day for you.
My full-time job is very stressful! I build automation and machine tools. When I get home, after spending time with my wife, I work my way to my art room. This takes my mind away from reality! It allows me to be creative and not think about everyday stress.
4. Who or what inspires you?
I don’t have a person that inspires me. Everyday things I see inspire me. Real life, natural colours, non-posed scenes, anything that tells a story to me!
Oil painting 18 x 24
5. How do you get clients?
Mostly word of mouth and my Facebook page. I can also sell myself when I have situations like a grandma showing me her newest grandson. I do some local events; motorcycle shows, art around the pond, as well as demos at the library.
6. What has been the highlight of your career as an artist so far?
Seeing my skill getting better, it’s exciting to me! It’s at a personal level! The competition is internal.
Airbrush painting 20 x 36
7. Have you had any career disappointments as an artist? If yes, how did you overcome them?
Not yet, I learn from my mistakes I keep on moving forward. I guess if there was a disappointment, it would be only just finding out that I could paint in the last five years!
8. What is your dream art project?
To create photo-realism and impressionism in one painting.
9. Do you have any advice for any emerging or aspiring artists?
If you say to yourself that you can’t do something, you have already lost the battle! I find most people give up before they really try! Don’t give up.
10. What's next for you?
To create photo-realism with an airbrush.
Michael Brown's Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/airbrushportraitsartist/
Interview by Glodeane Brown
All photos are the artist's work and were provided by the artist.