We recently connected with Chad Wilson and have shared our conversation below.

Chad, appreciate you joining us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

That is a great question. Without a doubt, I wish I began my personal artistic career earlier. I made my first oil painting in 1998 as a senior in high school, and the years and events to follow had me producing work out of necessity, as personal projects would not pay the bills. It wasn’t until 2021 that I began to transition to producing work based on inspiration and not obligation. Had I continued post high school, my artistic sense and style would have been developed a long time ago, and I would have a larger body of work now.

On the other hand, continuing my personal art later in life has influenced my work with different perspectives through life experience. During the years I wasn’t actively creating, I was constantly consuming and contemplating art. I studied both old masters and contemporary artists, styles and practices, and drew inspiration from underground music and movies, all of which inspired ideas for future projects.

While I may be disappointed for taking an extended break from personal projects, I appreciate the experience and satisfaction I have gained from starting up again when I did. Would I go back in time to change that? No, I have no regrets.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a traditional visual artist based in Atlanta, Georgia. I have been drawing for fun most of my life and am largely self-taught, having taken as many art related classes as I could in school. I also earned a degree in Graphic Design, which helped form a greater perspective on art and materials.

I favor portraiture, as I find it to be the most challenging subject matter. My art is primarily stylistically representative, and capturing a true likeness is difficult for most. If I am confident in my ability to do what is most difficult, everything else should be simple.

My work has been exhibited many times, and I have painted live and before an audience. I am proud to say my work has won awards, and is collected by various private collectors in Georgia, Texas, Florida, and North Carolina, USA.

I take greater pride in the fact that, although I create art primarily for my own enjoyment, it is incredibly flattering and humbling to see others appreciate and find interest in my work.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

While I enjoy the artistic process, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist, for me, lies in the sense of accomplishment when completing a painting. Life is busy and tough, and laziness and procrastination are attractive and easy. It is the diligence and commitment to finish what I have started that ultimately provides me with satisfaction. I also like the idea that I am creating things that will exist after I do not, and that is oddly comforting.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

In my personal and artistic pursuits, my goal is not only the creation of art that is pleasing to me, but constant improvement. I have discovered that many of the exercises I engage in while producing art can be applied to my daily life. These exercises have helped me build self confidence, simplify my decision making, sharpen my problem solving skills, and better prepare for unexpected challenges.

I think it is important to note, when I use the word “improvement” I use it relative to my own work. I recognize and accept that I may never reach the same level of artistry as the creators I admire and I do not compare my work to theirs. For me, improvement is successfully accomplishing a self imposed exercise or being more satisfied in my last piece than the one before it.

I have also benefited from a myriad of opportunities that have come my way organically simply by remaining open to new experiences and not shying away from challenges. Being naturally introverted is an area I am continually working to become more comfortable. By accepting invitations to collaborate and participate in various art related events, I have gained invaluable experience and connections within the creative community. Each time I said “yes,” whether it was to showcase my work or to paint in front of a crowd, I discovered new confidence and perspectives that have improved my understanding of the art scene and led to personal growth.

Ultimately, my goal is to continuously improve not only as an artist but in all aspects of life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mchadw.com

Image Credits

Chad Wilson