Art & Life with Jason Bylsma

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Bylsma.

Jason, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I up in Severn Maryland and moved to Phoenix Arizona in 2000. I have always had a passion for drawing and appreciating cars. When I was young, I would travel to car shows with my Dad and his 1938 Buick Century Convertible Coupe. During these car shows, I would draw in the rumble seat of the Buick.

I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Arizona State University where I majored in painting, drawing and art education. I originally wanted to be a portrait artist but after going to Barrett-Jackson and seeing all of the cars and other artists there I decided to go back to drawing and painting what I loved when I was a kid.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
In my art I strive to achieve the illusion of reality from a far but a drawing or painting up close. I have drawn or painted over 400 different cars over the last six years. My favorite medium to use is Faber-Castel Polychromos colored pencils but recently I have been doing more and more oil paintings. When people see my work, I want them to be taken back to a time when they had a specific car or to be able to see one of their dreams. I love being at shows and hearing all of the memories that people have with their cars.

Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
I think the most important thing is to surround yourself with successful people. You will need the support and encouragement because running your own business is not easy. Start out small, don’t give up and learn every day. I currently teach high school art to pay the bills because I don’t like to be hungry and it gives me time to work on my artwork. I have been focusing on being a professional artist for about five years now and I am not able to support myself off what I currently make. Each year I have taken my profits and reinvested it back into my business (booth displays, booth fees, marketing, supplies and more). If art is what you love to do and want to do commit 100% of the time (you have to make time) and money you have to it.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can see my work every March and November at the Good guys car show in Scottsdale Az and at Barrett-Jackson every January. You can also visit my website www.jasonbylsma.com and on Instagram @jasonbylsmaartwork.

Contact Info: 

• Website: www.jasonbylsma.com
• Email: jabylsma@cox.net
• Instagram: @jasonbylsmaartwork

Image Credit:
All my own images

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