Australia
John McCartin, Morning Song, oil, 26 x 21.
What inspired your winning entry? The scene simply caught my eye.
How would you describe your style? Representational
realism.
How did you first get interested in art? My interest in painting exploded when I was 19 and saw prints by American artist James Fetherolf.
What artists have influenced your work? Hans Heysen, Arthur Streeton, Elioth Gruner, Richard Schmid, and countless other American, English, and European artists.
What’s the most meaningful recognition you’ve received for your artwork? As far as I know, I’m the only Australian artist to receive over 50 major international art awards in just a few years.
Why do you choose to paint in oil? Oil painting enables me to use a number of different approaches and is easier than most mediums to manipulate and make corrections. It is also very versatile in creating effects using a palette knife, glazing, dry brush, and transparent washes.
What is your creative process? I take my subject and analyze it within a design framework by composing and arranging shapes using small thumbnail sketches or digital images. Sometimes I’ll paint a small study of the subject before I paint a large piece.
What is one thing you’ll never paint? Abstract work.
If you weren’t an artist, what would you be? Possibly a musician. Not long ago I discovered a talent for musical composition; I love composing music for piano.
What galleries represent your work? Settlers West Galleries, Tucson, AZ; New Masters Gallery, Carmel, CA; Trailside Galleries, Jackson, WY, and Scottsdale, AZ; Gallery France, Dordogne, France; John McCartin Fine Art Gallery, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Morpeth Gallery, Morpeth, NSW, Australia.
This story was featured in the December 2016 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art December 2016 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.
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