Artist Series 2012 The Remarkable William Rose

About Face

I was so stunned when I first viewed the art of William Rose up close and personal. That is exactly how his art made me feel. I could literally look into the souls of his subjects. I do not recall any artist that has this sense of presence in his portraits.  Let me present some of his work to you along with an amazing interview.

Where did your inspiration to become an artist come from?  

I've always had an interest in art and art history, but it was always as an observer rather than a participant.  It wasn't until I was in my mid-40's that I stumbled across an ability to draw.   It was a shock to my system and launched me into a new direction in my life.  I haven't looked back.

As Featured on the Cover of "Drawing" Magazine

 Are there artists that you consider your mentors or artists you deeply admire? 

 There are probably too many artists to name names.  Incredibly talented individuals - both alive and long gone, from whom I draw considerable inspiration.  And it never ends - I come across artists who I've missed all the time, with work that knocks me off my feet.  You know those pieces that you see and the wind gets sucked right out of your lungs... happens to me almost daily.   I get crazy-inspired and motivated.

Golden Earring

You have quickly risen in your genre of figurative arts and have a very unique style; at first painting in charcoals and then moving to oils. Can you tell us a bit about that?   

Well being largely self-taught, it really quite simple.  I began using graphite, dabbled a bit with watercolor and pastels and soon discovered charcoal.  I fell in love with it - having always been a huge fan of black and white, both in images and film.   

After a few years of working almost exclusively with charcoal, I needed to express myself in other ways - in color.  I had always been intimidated by oil - having no instruction other than picking up a few books and demo-dvds.  I finally got enough nerve to give it a go.   I love it - everything about it.  Going forward, I doubt that I will ever produce work in anything other than charcoal or oil.

Listen

The renowned art collector Howard Tullman has your works in his collection. Including "Listen" (Above) How did that come about?  

Howard has purchased 2 of my paintings for his extraordinary collection of contemporary figurative artwork.   Both of the pieces appeared at different times in an art publication, "Poets and Artists" which he apparently follows - along with probably every other major art publication.  I'm of course incredibly honored that he chose my work to include in his galleries.

Joy

Where are you currently showing your art and what exhibits are on the horizon? You are also commissioned quite often to complete portraits I understand.  

I do quite a few commissioned pieces, not only the traditional family portraits, but also more contemporary conceptual pieces using some of the models (friends) I've used in my gallery work.  

I just had my first solo museum show at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art.  It was a wonderful experience and I received some terrific exposure and feedback.   I am currently painting and exhibiting my work at ARTichokes Gallery in Leawood, Kansas, and exploring options to sign with a prominent national gallery. 

On a Soft Summer Breeze

What is your advice to the aspiring artist?   

Paint - paint - paint.  And if you're going to  spend that much time in front of a canvas, you might as well paint something you love - that you're passionate about.  If not - you'll burn out faster than a candle in a hurricane.   And get yourself out there - enter juried shows, and national magazine and art society competitions.  Go to galleries, museums, shows - TALK to people!  If you're good - people will see it, and they will want your work.  

Something

Strathmore Cover

 William, Thank you so much for sharing  with us today.

You can visit William's own Website at WilliamRoseArt.com

Shades of Light

Thank you to all of my Friends and Followers I hope you are enjoying the 2012 Artists Series

xoxo

Karena

Art by Karena 

Images Courtesy of William Rose 

Thank you so much to Melissa of 320 Sycamore for the $50 Gift Card to Kirkland's.