Young artist to watch in 2021
Mason Williams, Marble Canyon, oil, 12 x 16.
From: California.
Art Education: BFA in studio art from Principia College in Elsah, IL. Currently I am in the MFA program at Laguna College of Art & Design. But I really learned how to paint from my mentors—John Burton, Jesse Powell, and Sean Cheetham.
Style: Representational realism with an impressionism influence.
Creative Spark: Being outdoors and immersed in nature, usually the more remote, the better. Good paintings also inspire me. A George Carlson painting will always blow the wind out of me.
Second-Choice Career: Geologist.
Other Passions: Going to art galleries and museums with my partner, artist Kelley Mogilka; hiking, cooking, and chasing a good sunset.
One Thing People Don’t Know About You: I painted the U.S. Open Championship en plein air in Pebble Beach, CA. I was filmed and then featured on Fox Sports television. The painting sold afterward.
Best Advice Received: I was having a rough day, and John Burton told me, “Don’t worry, just keep painting. Enjoy the process.” From that day on, painting is a place of rejuvenation and passion.
Biggest Fear: Drowning in the ocean. It’s gnarly out there.
Pet Peeve: Snoring.
Favorite Work by Another Artist: UMATILLA ROCK by George Carlson.
Future Goals: To be in the Prix de West Invitational someday.
Price Range: $150 to $2,800.
Representation: Golf Links to the Past, Pebble Beach, CA; www.masonwilliamsart.com.