INTERVIEW with CASEY CHILDS
LOCATION: Pleasant Grove, Utah
CAREER: Professional Artist
EDUCATION: BA in Art from Brigham Young University
LITTLE KNOWN FACT: Avid golfer with a 6.9 handicap
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF PAINTING?
I see my style as contemporary realism. I am a representational painter trying to push the boundaries of traditional composition and design.
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HOW HAS YOUR WORK EVOLVED SINCE NORTHWEST COLLEGE?
Northwest College is where I first knew I wanted to become a painter. That was the beginning. However, after continuing my education and receiving my BA at BYU, I was enticed by the notion of a paid profession and took a graphic design job. I worked in graphic design for 10 years while trying to paint on the side. And though I recognize how great it is to now paint professionally in my studio, I remain grateful for that design job. The background and knowledge it yielded helped my work to grow and improve over the years. Today, focusing full-time on painting has allowed for an important transition in my work, both in subject matter and my overall process.
DO YOU CONTINUE TO CHALLENGE YOURSELF AS A PAINTER, AND IF SO, HOW?
Yes! Simply put, I continually try to make each painting better than the last. I am never satisfied, which means I can constantly improve.
DO YOU HAVE A PREFERRED COLOR PALETTE REGARDLESS OF SUBJECT MATTER?
I always use the same colors no matter the subject. The colors on my palette are Flake White, Ivory Black, Burnt Sienna, Raw Sienna, Yellow Ochre, Genuine Naples Yellow Light, Cadmium Red Light, Alizarin Crimson, Ultramarine Blue, Bice, Cobalt Blue, and Viridian.
DO YOU HAVE A SPECIFIC TECHNIQUE THAT HAS HELPED TAKE YOUR PAINTINGS TO THE "NEXT LEVEL?
Not necessarily a technique, though I will say that working from life has had a singular influence on my work. It is incredibly important; every representational artist should be doing it.
DO YOU FIND MOST PAINTERS STRUGGLING WITH ANY ONE SPECIFIC PROBLEM? IF SO, WHAT IS IT AND WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO OVERCOME IT?
I find many painters struggle with drawing and correct proportions. One becomes so excited to put color down that we forget painting is really just drawing... with paint. Proper training can overcome this, and I can attest that slowing down and allowing yourself time to really SEE and understand the subject in front of you can have incredible affect.
DO YOU HAVE ANY EXCITING NEW PROJECTS OR UPCOMING SHOWS?
I’m currently working on a large project for the LDS Church Museum in Salt Lake City, Utah. The piece is an historical narrative of Joseph Smith in Carthage Jail in 1844. The project involves 15 full size men in period clothing, among other historical details. The final piece will be a 5’ x 8’ diptych.
IF SOMEONE WERE INTERESTED IN TAKING CLASSES WITH YOU, WHERE COULD THEY LEARN MORE?
You can find information about my classes and more on my website: caseychilds.com/classes. Additionally, I post frequent updates of my work and process on Facebook (facebook.com/clc.childs) or on Instagram (instagram.com/caseychildsart).
WE HAVE TO ASK... WHAT IS YOUR NEW WAVE PALETTE OF CHOICE?I love the
Expressionist Confidant. It is my weapon of choice. New Wave’s revolutionary design allows ample room for mixing without a sense of being big and bulky. The placement of the thumb hole at the top is genius. It provides additional space while balancing perfectly on my arm. These handcrafted palettes just FEEL nice, and apart from what they provide my process, they are beautiful works of art!
