Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Justin Simmons. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Justin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of our favorite things to hear about is stories around the nicest thing someone has done for someone else – what’s the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?
11 years ago I was a month behind my rent. I didn’t tell anyone about my issue, not even my family. I had relative back in Oklahoma that was bossing me around about painting her a family portrait for awhile. Eventually I had painted and finished the portrait. And she gave me a check for $1500. I was shocked but felt blessed at the same time. I was able to pay my rent but, the funny thing she knew some how, I was having complication living in a different environment. I will never forget that moment.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My art journey started when I was young influenced by the Graffiti Street Art World. New York Graffiti artist like Seen and Cope inspired me to express my creative side, had me spray painting on abandoned buildings and parking lots. But one afternoon laying around at mom’s house I was watching a 70’s sitcom show called “GoodTimes.” Ernie Barnes designed and painted all the images that was on that show. That moment inspired me to be a vibrant great black painter./
With no formal training in art, I have developed a keen eye for detail and accuracy in my paintings. I have painted so many Art Commissions and portraits for clients in the last 13 years, which helped me become one of the top 5 finalist painters to do a Opal Lee portrait for the Secretary of State of Texas.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Witnessing your own growth as an artist is one of the most rewarding parts of being an artist. Making people feel good about themselves and appreciated after receiving my artwork is very rewarding.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Books by Oliver Sinn “Drawing the Head for Artists: Techniques for Mastering”. Solomon J Solomon the practice of Oil painting and Drawing. Oil Painter Cesar Santos youtube videos and Jack Kirby from Marvel comics.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.blurb.com/b/10067533-once-upon-a-time-art-book-series
- Instagram: @Justinjustsimmons
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/justclout/
- Youtube: Justin Just Simmons