We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful David Rawlinson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with David below.

Hi David, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Back in the late 60’s, I lived with my mother in the French Quarter of New Orleans. She was a portrait artist on Jackson Square. I worked in a picture frame shop across from the square, and met many artist during that time. Being exposed to such a variety of creative people, I knew I wanted to be involved in art, I just did not know how. I began to paint and found that watercolor had the most exciting properties of any medium I had tried. Although a very difficult medium, I find that if the artist lets the paint and water play own it own, it can create some of the most exciting results, that no other medium can. The artist has to be willing to give up some control.

After leaving New Orleans, I moved back to Memphis, TN and enrolled in the Memphis College of Art. I graduated with a BFA in Advertising Design, and began working as an Art Director in Advertising Agencies. I eventually opened my own design company and provided creative services for different companies for more than 30 years. During that time in my life, I did not do much fine art. I was focused on building a business and raising a family. In 2016 I retired and began to really focus on my watercolor journey.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

During my time as owner of my Graphic Design firm, I focused on providing creative services for the Agriculture Industry. I spent many days in the cotton, soybean and corn fields of the Mississippi, Arkansas & Tennessee Delta. I loved every minute of it. I would see old abandoned shacks, cotton warehouses and other farm buildings. I was so inspired by these structures, knowing they held many stories that I wish I could have known.

My wife and I will pack up our truck, load up our dog, and head out into the Mississippi & Arkansas Delta to explore the backroads. I have a current one man show on now, that is titled “Gravel, Dirt and Old Blacktops”. If I am on one of these, I know I will find my inspiration for my paintings.

Simply put, I want my paintings to make someone feel the light, drama, and mystery as I do when I create them.

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

I think a lot of non-creative people have a hard time understanding what makes us creative people see why we are moved by some of the most common overlooked things. I have had people ask me why I paint what I paint. Why do I like old abandoned buildings or cows, or chickens or just dirt roads in a landscape.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

When I think I have finished a painting, I will walk away from it for a while, and then come back to it and look at it upside down. If it excites me at that point, I know it is a good one. For me, there is no better feeling than expressing myself in this visual form.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.david-rawlinson.com
• Instagram: davidrawlinsonartist
• Facebook: David Rawlinson