1. Name / occupation / location:
Robert Townsend / artist (painter) / Los Angeles, CA.
2. How long have you been doing what you’re doing?
Professionally, for about 4 years.
3. What was your last ‘day’ job (or what is your current day job)?
Working in a shipyard. Don’t ask.
4. Favorite writer / artist / photographer? Hmm. Favorite writer?
I mostly read art books, so that wouldn’t help much. Favorite artist is a toss up between Wayne Thiebaud and Robert Bechtle. Favorite photographer? Trick question, right? I’m supposed to say Jena. Well, that’s true, but also Stephen Shore and Bill Wood.
5. Who or what inspires you to create?
Great question. Sometimes the subject matter itself is the inspiration. Sometimes the thought of seeing the final painting is the driving force. Sometimes seeing a great exhibit or hearing great music or experiencing any other kind of art will turn me on enough to get me excited about doing my work.
6. Describe your last DIY project:
I can’t recall, sorry.
7. Decade you wish you could visit?
The 50′s.
8. A place you’ve visited that was almost too beautiful to capture?
Not almost. Zion in Utah… completely magical.
9. Describe your pre-work ritual:
Well, each project starts with the search for the image. Sometimes I have to actually search, or compose and photograph, and sometimes somethings comes across my path while I’m working on something else. Next, I have to decide on a size and order a panel. Then transfer, then paint. As for a daily routine, I usually know what I need to get done before the day starts, sort of a self imposed quota, and I can usually stay on track. I’m up early and start painting by 7:30. No big mysteries. I just love painting with daylight, which does mean I get more hours in during the summer months.
10. An image you’ve shot/own that is nearest and dearest to you:
Color TV.
11. Something you care deeply about:
Oh, I could go on about this one forever. I’ll give two quick thoughts. I care deeply about treating others the way I’d like to be treated and about the idea of simplicity. They both sound pretty easy, at least to me, but they are unbelievably difficult. They both seem like things one could conquer, but I think you could spend a lifetime on them and not really get there. Totally worth pursuing though.
12. Current project you are working on:
I’m working on a large oil painting of some old cars at the beach. Might be my favorite piece I’ve done.
13. Goal for the future:
Continued health and happiness, better paintings (I’ve got some good ideas I’m excited about), many more trips to Utah, Paris would be nice, and continuing with number 9.
You can view Rob’s gorgeously retro watercolors and oil paintings at: http://freecolortv.com