21 Under 31: Young Artists to Watch in 2015

New York

Devon Rodriguez, Cayman, oil, 40 x 30.

Art Education: I started to get serious about art at New York’s High School of Art and Design. I trained with James Harrington while simultaneously studying figure drawing and painting at the Art Students League of New York after school, and then in the summer with Dan Thompson, Jon deMartin, and Oldrich Teply.

Style: Painterly realism.

Creative Spark: Throughout my day I come across many scenes that inspire me to paint. It could be a feeling or a mood I get from what I’m seeing, pleasing colors, interesting shapes, or even when I get the urge to add my own social commentary on a subject that I’m thinking about.

Second-Choice Career: If I don’t continue as a fine artist, I’d get into commercial illustration. If that doesn’t work out, I’d continue my father’s legacy and work as a tattoo artist.

One Thing People Don’t Know About You: I dropped out of college during my first year. I got bored and then decided to go back to school.

Best Advice Received: Don’t wait around for inspiration. Constantly work, and then inspiration will come naturally.

Pet Peeve: People who borrow books and never give them back.

Quirkiest Trait: I tend to walk and talk in my sleep.

Favorite Studio Music: The Beatles; Elliott Smith; Tyler, the Creator; Radiohead; and Kanye West.

Future Goals: My goals are to live in Manhattan, graduate from college with a master’s degree, own a Lamborghini, earn representation at Arcadia Contemporary in New York, have a family, show at the Louvre, and ultimately to be happy.

Price Range: $1,000 to $5,000.

Featured in the September 2015 issue of Southwest Art magazine–click below to purchase:
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