We were lucky to catch up with Tony Henson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Tony thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your creative career?

The most important lesson from any job I’ve had that has helped me as a professional artist was working in tobacco from age 9 to 18 years of age.
Working in the tobacco fields growing up on a farm north of Nashville taught me hard work. It also taught me how to daydream and be bored. Boredom is great for artists because you can imagine and create a different place. I didn’t know what I wanted to do for a living but I knew at those ages growing up it wasn’t tobacco.

Tony , 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 knew at age 2, I wanted to be an artist or I knew at least I wanted to draw and create things. Maybe, I didn’t exactly know what an artist was and how to become it but I was blown away to create something on a black sheet of white paper. I would draw Spider-Man for hours from ages 3-21. I have a tattoo of Spider-Man on my left arm. It reminds me of where my journey started. I create large abstract paintings, charcoal drawings of figures, and body painting.
I’ve had collectors from all of the United States for the last 27 years. I’ve taught Art at the college level for the last 24 years. I’ve created many commissions for clients and currently in the process of finding an Art agent or Art consultant.
My artwork is about nature and music. Formally, the main aspects in my artwork are color, texture, and space. Those three elements have always been present in my work. Usually, my paintings are loose, expressive, emotional, and influenced by the colors and light of nature. Music is the guide during painting as I have synesthesia. I can see different colors when I hear music. I also play bass guitar as a hobby and love to travel.
I’m most proud of having my painting reviewed in The Washington Post, reviewed by Art Critic Jerry Saltz, and showing in New York City 4 times.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is when someone is moved by my painting that they must purchase it on the spot. I love that instant connection collectors have when experiencing the same or similar emotional reactions I had when creating the painting.
This obviously doesn’t happen as often as I would like so the most rewarding thing about being an artist and a creative human is seeing. Not looking but seeing. That’s the coolest thing because that’s a gift and something that you can get better at it the more you practice.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to inspire, to create beautiful artwork, and to share that with the viewer.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tonyhensonart.com
• Instagram: Tony Henson Art
• Facebook: Tony Henson
• Youtube: Tony Henson Art