Samuel Wilson is an American artist who is self taught and is lucky enough to come from a creative family, with his father being a portrait artist. He earned a Finalist place in the 3rd Edition of the Boynes Emerging Artist Award.

What inspired you to start creating art?

I have always been involved in art since a young age. I liked drawing and did some ceramics in high school, but oil painting is what I really took to. My dad is an oil painter and my grandmother painted. I painted my first oil painting in October of 2008 while on a break from college. I asked my dad to show me the basics of portrait painting and since then never looked back.

What inspires your work now?

Almost anything can inspire my work. The series that I am working on now has heavy influence from materialism and consumerism. I am trying to identify understated yet truths in our society. There is so much in the world that we accept and don't concern ourselves with, but those things like advertising and selling people's interests influence every part of our lives. I think painting this series in a trompe l’oeil style really complements the ideas. It's tricking the eye into believing something seems one way but in reality it's something else. That's what advertising does to our view of the world.

What mediums do you work in and experiment with?

I am primarily an oil painter, but I change my substrates depending on the piece, and I have occasionally used acrylic paint. I prefer to paint on Linen. My experimental side is more focused on the materials I use to build the concepts I will be painting. Different materials, like cardboard, craft paper, painters tape, masking tape and anything else that works for the concept of the pieces. Like masking tape is functional to hold things together but it can also signify temporary.

Are there any particular brands of art supplies you prefer using (if so why)?

There aren't any particular brands that I stick to. I like colors by Michael Harding, Winsor Newton has a great variety. I also use Gamblin and Rembrandt. I pretty much use cheaper brushes and just trash them when they lose their point. I do a lot of detail work so I like really sharp brushes. I have been using the same pallet knife for probably 8 years. It's cheap but I'm used to how it handles. I have had the same pickle jar for my mineral spirits since I started painting 12 years ago.

Do you have any particular ways that you work through a creative block?

Best way to work through a creative block is time. Just give it time. I usually have a backup of ideas I want to do, so I don’t usually get blocked, but when I do or the ideas I have aren't exciting me as much as they once did I will usually just start painting something simple. I know the really good ideas have to come on their own and just getting started on something else always helps that creativity start flowing.

Can you give any piece of advice to your fellow artists on what you have learned while you practiced your craft?

It's good to be happy with your past work, but don't ever be satisfied. You will never reach the top, but always try to. Let your creative drive move you forward. If you aren't excited about what you're working on there is no point in doing it. That's why we are artists, to create things that inspire us. Also decide what you want from your art. If it is just for fun then treat it like that. If you want to make a living with it, treat it like a job.

How do/did you manage the need for perfection within your work?

I believe there is a point with any particular painting that it can only be as good as it can be. I usually stop painting when I have met all the criteria I set out for myself. When I spend more time looking for problems than painting, that is another good sign it's finished. Once you feel like you have reached your full ability then it is time to start a new challenge. Each painting is a building block.

How do you process/ come to terms with and even use other people's opinion of your work?

I don't absolutely take everyones opinion seriously. But when I do, whether it be good or bad I see it as room for improvement. If you don't like it, I should make it better. If you like it, I can make it better. I feel like it is easier to take criticism regarding the technical part of my work than the conceptual part. If I think a concept is really great and it falls flat with others it makes me wonder if my head is in the right place for what I am trying to portray.

Is there an artist/s who inspires you creatively?

Different artists inspire me technically compared to creatively. But some do both. A small list of living artists I really like are Phil Hale, Jeremy Geddes, and Robin Eley just to name a few. As far as historical artists I really appreciate Sargent, Rembrandt and Caravaggio.

To view more of Samuel Wilson’s work

Website

Instagram