We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Anthony Shagan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Anthony below.
Alright, Anthony thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
Like most kids I had a real love for drawing. I would draw my favorite characters like Buzz Lightyear or Blues clues. As I grew older and time marched forward, my love for drawing would only increase. I would still draw my favorite characters. I would sit in front of the TV, drawing them as they moved. In my free time I would write and draw many rudimentary comic books. These habits grew into my adolescence. I would spend a majority of my time trying to improve my art. It wasn’t until I turned 13 that I realized my purpose in this world was to be an artist. It was around this time that I would discover my personal hero, Leonardo Da Vinci. I would spend all of my time learning everything I could about the renaissance master. I would stay up entire nights trying my best to copy his work. He would be my greatest and first influence. The sketchbook would become my holy bible as I could always be seen with one in hand no matter where I went. I took every opportunity to draw what was around me, this included my teachers and classmates as well. My mind was always on, looking, observing and drawing. I never had a doubt in my mind and I have never looked back.
Anthony, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Passion has lead me to where I am today and it will continue to guide me to great heights. I was always interested in realistic art, specifically portrait and figurative painting. The human form has always captivated me in ways other things never could. Humanity and art are so intertwined that it seems to be a rule of nature. I strive to capture the beauty of whomever I paint. The way I see it, my business is based on providing experiences and connections. When I spend months of my time painting someone’s portrait, I view it as my duty to transcribe their humanity into something tangible. A portrait is so much more than a painting of a person. Each portrait has the essence of that individual. My paintings act as a celebration of that person as opposed to a shallow copy of their likeness. When I paint someone I treat that painting as if it were being sold for a million dollars. Every painting is treated with absolute care and respect. I strictly use the finest paints and linen. I do this to ensure that my paintings will not fade or crack overtime. I use top of the line paints to ensure color accuracy and proper absorption. My products are created to last and I take great pride in their completion. Paintings are not all I have to offer. Anyone who is truly passionate about something knows that greatness must be shared. Art is one of humanity’s oldest inclinations and it”s greatness must be passed down. I look back to that teenager that I once was, he strived to know all that he could about art. The problem was that he lacked the knowledge and means required to accomplish his goals. It is in the spirit of knowledge that I teach cheap and accessible art classes. The classes I teach focus on a logic based approach to painting and drawing in realism. All are welcome to register, I will be happy to share.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My work is my mission and my goal is to master it! The objective is to create works of beauty, art that is so breathtaking it brings people to tears. I strive to create paintings that will inspire the same feelings of awe that other painters have given me. It is my mission to create and share that with others. As I grow and improve I also want to pass on my skills and help other aspiring artists, who like me are on their own creative journey. When I am an old man, I want to look back on my life and know that I used my time to connect with people and ultimately be a part of their creative journey. I remember those who helped me, they all occupy a special place in my heart. I look back to them and I remember that no matter how far I’ve gone I’ve always had help. Nobody can do it alone. It is my responsibility to do that for others as well. So I guess you could say my goal is to be a wise and accomplished artist, content with his choice to help others and to live life on his own terms.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is having the freedom to live life on my own terms. I am free to use my skills to create and express. Being an artist has given me an empowered sense over myself and my path in life. Unfortunately, that seems to be something too many people live without. I feel so accomplished when a portrait is completed. I gain tremendous pride when my students leave my class proud of their artistic feats. My soul illuminates when I see people react to the paintings that I so lovingly crafted. Painting is a reward all it’s own but few things are more rewarding than the world looking at you and saying yes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.portraitsbyshagan.com
- Instagram: @anthonyshagan