21 Under 31: Young Artists to Watch in 2017: Blair Atherholt

Blair Atherholt
Pennsylvania

Blair Atherholt, Select-Fire, oil, 8 x 8.

Blair Atherholt, Select-Fire, oil, 8 x 8.

Art Education: Graduate of the four-year program at the Schuler School of Fine Arts.

Style: Contemporary realism with abstract or surrealistic elements.

Creative Spark: I’ve always been inspired by the passion of other creative professionals, such as painters, musicians, or culinary artists. Experiencing the results of another person’s true dedication to their craft has always inspired me to become the best at what I do.

Second-Choice Career: Character design for films and games.

Other Passions: Staying active with exercise and playing guitar.

One Thing People Don’t Know About You: My dad and I are both graduates of the Schuler School of Fine Arts, 30 years apart.

Best Advice Received: One of the Schuler School’s mantras: Lighter lights. Darker darks. Paint with paint.

Biggest Fear: Complacency with my current skill level.

Pet Peeve: When people ask, “So what’s your real job?” after I tell them that I am an artist.

Quirkiest Trait: I’ll often hold up potential painting subjects at different angles to see how they look. I’ve gotten some strange looks from people in the produce sections of grocery stores.

Mantra or Motto: Observe. Simplify. Execute.

Favorite Studio Music: Instrumental music, such as Explosions in the Sky and This Will Destroy You.

Favorite Work by Another Artist: THE TETON RANGE by Thomas Moran.

Future Goals: To make a comfortable living as an artist.

Price Range: $500 to $2,500.

Representation: Abend Gallery, Denver, CO; Canary Gallery, Birmingham, AL.

This story was featured in the September 2017 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art  September 2017 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.

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