Douglas Flynt: Interview with a Contemporary Master

Douglas Flynt: Interview with a Contemporary Master

I met Douglas through Facebook.  He truly has taken still life painting to a new level.  The light, color and volume of the objects in his paintings move far beyond the reality of photography.  His drawing and painting skills are not limited to the genre however.   He marvelously renders the figure with the same precision and sensitive hand.  Take the time to check out his website and be sure to sign up for his mailing list.  If you happen to be in San Francisco, you can see his work in person at John Pence Gallery.

What inspired you to become an artist?

I have always been interested in making drawings and images—and more particularly, expressing 3-dimensional people, objects, and/or environments on a 2-dimensional surface.

How old were you?

I have been drawing ever since midway through elementary school. I was first particularly inspired by comic books. I wasn’t even so much interested in the stories, but instead the dynamic renderings of the characters. However, by the time I got to college my interest shifted more toward fine art and away from the world of comics.

What do you love about the process of painting and drawing?

I really enjoy problem solving, creating something, and working toward the illusion of 3-dimensions on a 2-dimensional surface—I like the feeling of sculpting even if it is done with lines and color rather than actual form.

What do you want your audience to experience when they see your work?

Something aesthetically pleasing, intellectually interesting and convincing in terms of light and form.

Where do you sell your work?

I sell my work directly to individuals and through various galleries.

Name two of your artistic heroes (one living and one dead)

Unfortunately for this question, I don’t think in terms of artistic heroes. I find value in different aspects of various artist’s work and who I am most inspired by shifts with time depending upon what my current interests are.

What advice would you give an aspiring artist?

Don’t worry about style or originality, instead let those things emerge over time through sincerity and expect that you will need to devote many, many hours to your craft.