Art & Life with Doug Shelton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Doug Shelton.

Doug, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I grew up in Des Moines, Iowa. I always knew that I was an artist, years before I even knew what the word meant. Some neighbors down the street were artists, and I took lessons there. They were academically trained, and it was there that I learned to draw and paint in a very realistic, representational manner. It was great to be with teachers and fellow students who were passionate about art making and especially painting. I fell in love with the smell of oil paint, kneaded erasers, and charcoal. After high school, I moved to Chicago and went to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. After graduating, I spent some years trying to figure out how to make a living as an artist. I moved around a lot. I did odd jobs, I painted houses, signs, and murals on cars and vans. I painted graphic designs in roller rinks and bowling alleys. I spent a summer traveling with a carnival. As I developed my own unique style and vision, I also found galleries that could sell artwork. I received many corporate commissions for painting murals. Eventually, I settled in Tucson – somehow I’d always known that I’d wind up in the Southwest.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
What I like to do as an artist is make beautiful and interesting paintings. I hope they are visual treats–inviting and challenging for viewers. The work is filtered through my life experiences, painting skills, and aesthetics. I like to comment on contemporary society, and my work often contains a narrative of some sort. I like my work to have a sense of mystery; it allows one to take some time to ponder, an important activity in our culture of instant gratification. As an artist who works in a style that is both representational and slightly surreal and lowbrow, I’m inspired by many different things, and my subject matter is varied. It’s my way of making sense of the beautiful madness of life.

In your view, what is the biggest issue artists have to deal with?
Many challenges…so little time. The first would be to find your voice, your individual style while learning the craft of whatever art you’re interested in. Then comes finding your venue or a way to present your art to the world. Then there’s the challenge of funding it.

And if the artist has gotten that far, next is the challenge of sustaining the passion and exploration month after month, year after year.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I am represented by Jane Hamilton Gallery in Tucson, Arizona and Olson Larsen Gallery in Des Moines, Iowa.

Contact Info:

• Website: dougsheltonart.com
• Email: dougshelton1@juno.com

Image Credit:
Doug Shelton

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.