My journey with art began in Kindergarten. I remember, during a conference, my teacher telling my parents I was behind in my drawing skills. Looking back, I think that flipped a switch inside me to want to get better at art. But more than just my own desire, I believe God put that talent within me and also gave me an older brother and teachers to encourage my passion of capturing the world around me in pencil and in paint.The most interesting thing is the world for me to draw or paint is people. Since 1991, I have been doing custom portraits from photos. I started dabbling with acrylic paint in high school and with it’s versatility and fast drying time, it soon became my medium of choice, although I still often do drawings in pencil. Over the past 24 years, I have done hundreds of paintings and drawings on commission as well as several for shows.
Dave Mattison, left, and Matt Philleo, members of Bethel Church in Eau Claire, created a seven-panel mural depicting significant events in Christian history, including Christ's Crucifixion. In mid-December, the artists, both of Eau Claire, hung the mural in the church. The two posed on March 27, 2013, with the painting. Photo by Eau Claire Leader Telegram staff photographer, Dan Reiland. Used with permission.
I've been doing art since I was a child. I started drawing cartoons for my mom's newsletters, and she really loved them and encouraged me to do more. At age 14, things really clicked when I drew my first portrait commission for my mom's friend.
In 1993, I took a summer art course while in high school, and that's where I learned the glazing technique for acrylics from a college instructor. That opened up a whole new world for me, because I realized now I could do a detailed sketch, and slowly layer the paint on without losing all my drawing work. I paint with several translucent layers of color to build up a richness and depth that gives the surface a glowing, effervescent quality. Finally, I adorn the painting surface with a treasure trove of detail to heighten the illusion of three-dimensionality. This is similar to how high-definition TV seems so much more real than the old television broadcasts did. It does take a lot of time, but I feel the end result is worth it.
In 1996, attended Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, but left after a year, because of the huge cost and their interest in abstract art. I never wanted to do anything but realism. I tell people I learned more in the one-week summer art course than I did in a year of art school!
Getting Into Art Full Time
I did many different jobs over the years from retail to sales, but always did art on the side. I rarely had enough time to do much, though. It wasn't until 2009, when the economy tanked, and I lost a very good sales job, that I decided to follow my passion, with God's leading, and do art full time. I had many jobs come in, and then had several times where there were no jobs.
I wanted to give up being an artist many, many times. But my wife encouraged to not quit. We prayed several times for provision, and God would miraculously provide. Although I did pick up a couple part time jobs, I have been doing art exclusively full time for almost four years now. I'm blessed to have a studio where I can create and teach.
How I Started Teaching
In 2016, I moved my art business into Artisan Forge Studios, a community studio/ gallery space for artists, where about 30 artists working in media from metal sculpture to painting, can collaborate and inspire each other. Other artists were offering classes and the studio manager encouraged me to teach one as well. I tried it and enjoyed it immensely. Initially, I started off just teaching classes locally, but when one of my blog posts on how to paint realistic acrylic portraits went "viral" many people emailed me for tips and so I felt I should share them so they could learn to paint better.
My first online student was a woman in her mid-80's. She really encouraged me to start up an online class via webcam. She even bought a webcam just for the class. I recorded an entire step-by-step course on painting a portrait this spring, and other one on shading techniques this summer, and since that, it's been really enjoyable to see what my students have been able to do!
And I look forward to seeing what you will be able to do as well. As an artist with nearly 25 years of acrylic portrait painting experience, I look forward to helping you achieve your goals of creating a vibrant, realistic acrylic portrait that will encourage you and others who see it!
Currently, I live in Eau Claire, Wisconsin with my loving, supportive wife and three exceptional children. I enjoy participating in my church and serving in a few different areas: playing bass in the worship band, singing in the choir, helping in the children’s ministry and assisting teachers at Bethel Christian School. In my spare time, I enjoy camping, bicycling, and reading inspirational books.