Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cynthia Warden. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Cynthia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

For me, art becomes a bridge spanning the space between the past, the present, and the yet-unwritten chapters of tomorrow—a testament to the enduring power of creativity to shape hearts, minds, and societies. As a Publicist I worked on client’s stories with Main Stream Media including CNN, FOX, MSNBC and many major Newspapers and Social Media Platforms. As I began to paint the “news”, Pop Culture and Events of the Nation and the World it became evident to me that many of the stories were being lost in each news cycle. As I began to work on each piece there became a sort of rhythm of collecting and reporting the events of that 2-3 week period. Most people get their news in small sound bites and this platform offered me the opportunity to paint my take on what was going on. After beginning the Series and observing the discourse and division happening, I was compelled to keep going and report in my own unique way the events shaping our future. The upcoming Election will be an important turning point in the future of our Country and will impact the entire World.
Every Project has a special meaning. I began my art career with a series of Watercolors depicting Women, leading to my book
“Women in Watercolor Portraits and Poetry. Each painting is paired with an inspirational poem about the subject. I am currently participating in the California Creative Arts Exhibition “It’s A Jungle Out There” at the Encino Terrace October 14-November 15.
Another very meaningful project is my Xtinction Series benefiting Endangered Species. This collection was showcased on the ABC show “This is LA.” This project was dear to my heart as I had volunteered at the Wildlife Waystation and was able to walk a tiger named Drifter who was my inspiration and care for baby chimps rescued from medical laboratories. Two of my original oil paintings featuring a Snow Leopard and Baby Leopard are currently being shown at the CWM Galleries in Sydney Australia.
I am currently considering various opportunities for more Marketing, PR, Publishing and future Exhibitions. Please feel free to contact me if interested in collaborating on this or any of my projects.

Cynthia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have always pursued the artistic side of life. Growing up in Seattle Washington, I graduated from the University of Washington with a BA in Speech Communications. Early on my love of art and painting was evident. As a child and young adult my passion was always drawing and painting. Art and design have always been a passion and mainstay in my life.
After graduation from college I started Cynthia Warden Designs and began my career as a successful accessory designer. I was well known for my unique and innovative fashion designs with major retailers including Nordstrom, Macy’s and more than 500 boutiques and chain stores throughout the US, UK and Japan. Many of my accessories have been featured in film, television and commercials.
In 2000, I moved to Los Angeles and worked as an entertainment publicist. My creative spirit was enriched and inspired by working with world renown artists including Marine Artist Wyland, and Kenyan artist and animal activist Anthony Russell, film directors, actors, and producers but I missed my own creative endeavors.
Self-taught I began my art career in late 2013 with a collection of watercolor portraits. I was presented an opportunity to showcase my work in West Hollywood, leading to sales of my pieces. In September 2016, four of my watercolor portraits were chosen by the director to be included in a feature film in Los Angeles. My work can be seen in private homes and corporate offices in the US.
As of the last 5 years my focus has been to continue this Political and Pop Culture Series and finish the series with the election of the 47th Presidential Inauguration in January 2025.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

“Every journey begins with one small step,” and when painting the first in this series in January 2020, I had no idea it would lead me on this incredible journey. As a part of the art community, I find myself among creators who are not just mere painters but passionate chroniclers of our times. The canvas serves as a mirror reflecting the turbulent waters of our world. For the past five years, I’ve embarked on an extraordinary journey, capturing the essence of the political, social, economic, and pop culture events through my ongoing art series and books. 
For over the last 5 years, I worked tirelessly and consistently on this political art series that reflects the pressing issues of our time. This journey has tested my resilience, challenged my creativity, and ultimately revealed the important impact art can have on community and society.
My motivation stemmed from a desire to address social issues, current events effecting our Nation and the World. Each piece I created was a response to the world around me—reflecting current events, personal experiences, and the voices of those often overlooked. I wanted my art to resonate, provoke thought, and encourage dialogue among viewers.
As I shared my work through social media, I witnessed the tangible impact it had on people. Conversations ignited around my pieces, fostering a sense of community and solidarity and many times division. I saw individuals engaging in discussions that mattered. It was humbling to realize that my art could be a catalyst for important conversations about the state of our nation and the world.
Despite the impact, the journey did have challenges. There were moments of doubt and burnout, especially during politically charged times. Financial constraints, self-doubt, and the fear of not being heard loomed large. Yet, each setback became a lesson in resilience. I learned to navigate criticism and use it to fuel my passion, transforming obstacles into opportunities for growth.
Friends, family and fellow artists, rallied around me, providing encouragement and constructive feedback that created a network of support that reminded me I was not alone in this process.
Through this political art series, I discovered that resilience is not just about enduring challenges it is about evolving, adapting, and using creativity as a powerful tool. My journey continues, fueled by the belief that art can inspire, unite, and challenge the status quo. In a world that often feels divided, I remain committed to creating pieces that speak truth and encourage much needed understanding and dialogue so hopefully we can come together for the good of our Nation.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My journey as “The Real-Time Artist” has been both powerful and inspiring, reflecting my deep commitment to capturing the essence of our times through art. This endeavor transcends mere creativity; it feels like a vital contribution to our collective memory. By documenting significant events with urgency and passion, I transform my canvas into a living chronicle of history. Starting this series during the Mueller Investigation, Russian Collusion, the Trump Impeachment Trial and navigating the challenges of the pandemic I have continued every 2 weeks for 5 years. This has exemplified my ability to adapt and reflect the world around me. My philosophy, “The News of Today is the History of Tomorrow” underscores the essential role of art in understanding contemporary issues. I embrace the responsibility of fostering dialogue and introspection through my work. Drawing connections to historical figures like King Alfred reminds me of the timeless role artists play as chroniclers of their eras. As I move forward, I’m excited to explore the themes and events that currently inspire me and to envision how my art will evolve in the years ahead. With the political division and the election looming I feel the need to document these events as an important part of our history for the Nation and the World.
Recently I participated in the California Heritage Museum’s “Anything Goes” Exhibition featuring 2 paintings especially created for the show. They depicted the Presidential Candidates and their challenges. I sent the Diptych to President Trump at Mar A Lago and received a beautiful thank you note.The note was signed 4 days after he was shot in Butler PA. My main goal is to finish the series culminating with the Inauguration of the 47th President. I would also like to publish a Coffee Table book of the paintings and history of the last 5 years in Real Time.

Contact Info:

• Website: http:www.therealtimeartist.com
• Instagram: @cynthiawarden
• Facebook: @cynthiawarden
• Twitter: @cynthiawarden55