Interview with artist Alan Lakin

After a long time, the FAWbyJWP blog hosts the “Artist of the Week” interview with the painter Alan Lakin for his award-winning painting, “Autumn Gold”. Most of his amazing work is considered impressionism. Alan Lakin has received numerous awards for his art and has shown it in many galleries nationwide.

Interview with artist Alan Lakin

FAWbyJWP. Could you tell us a few words about yourself and your winning artwork?

Alan. I’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember. My parents told me I was selling pen and ink and watercolor art when I was three years old. I would make a comic book format but instead of doing Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fud, I would do Bugs Bunny and the little boy next door and sell it to his mother for 10 cents and then the run-up to the local grocery and buy a real comic book. Our neighbor still has some of those and showed them to me at my mom’s funeral.

FAWbyJWP. What motivates you to make art?

Alan. I feel like as an artist I still have a lot to learn, sometimes a painting like Autumn Gold almost paints itself and other times I struggle to get the scene that is in my head to the canvas.

FAWbyJWP. What themes do you enjoy painting most?

Alan. My favorite subjects to paint are seascapes and landscapes in an impressionist style. I also enjoy doing portraits and still lifes.

FAWbyJWP. What is the best advice for your work or your life as an artist?

Alan. My art teacher in High School, Mrs. Marshall, always stressed to us that the main thing that holds most artists back is the lack of imagination and willingness to try something different. If you make a mistake, keep going, it may turn out to be the best thing you ever painted.

Thank you so much, Alan, for this inspiring interview. You can find and follow Alan Lakin and his wonderful work on his site alan-lakin.pixels.com.