Featured Artist Peter Addison

Artist Peter Addison enjoys breaking out of social norms and painting curiously quirky subject matter. Enjoy more of his work by visiting his website.

 

 

From the time I was a little boy until now, there have been constants that have made my existence a playful one. To begin with, I’ve always heard the words, “You’re weird” spoken to me. Never once though, not for a single second, did that bother me. I always took it as a compliment.

 

 

It was nothing short of a verbal acknowledgment that I was thinking and acting differently than the masses.

 

 

Secondly, I have always, from the first time I dragged a crayon over a coloring book, loved art. It’s curious how well being perceived as weird and loving art go together.

 

 

I believe it is human nature to be playful. Everyone picks their game. Whether it be sport, a lifestyle, a profession, a political movement, or being a troll on Twitter, everyone exercises their playful tendencies. I feel so extremely fortunate to be weird and make art in accordance with my chosen game.

 

 

Most people, when they see my art, will say something in the nature of, “I like your colors but, your subject matter isn’t for me.” Then I hear a suggestion like, “Have you ever thought about painting flowers? Oh my, with your colors, if you painted flowers…” Or, something like, “Paint an elk, an elk on a ridge with a moon behind it—now that would be a good painting!”

 

 

I don’t mind it when people suggest a more acceptable subject matter to me; after all, I know it comes from a place of kindness. However, I’m weird, and weird people must act accordingly. I try being creative with my colors as I try to be creative with my subject matter.

 

 

I don’t want to just make a painting. I want to say something. I like subject matter such as “A noble fight that cannot be won.” Here’s a person going through emotional devastation, and we, as the viewers, don’t know the outcome of their internal battle.

 

 

I love silliness, courage and the uncommon bravery to break free from social norms.

 

 

I love art because, while exploring my mind, thoughts and feelings, I get to create a world, a story, or a character and hopefully convey emotion. I always begin with an emotion I have rather than an idea, usually inspired by the world around me.

 

 

I’ve heard that some artists visualize everything before they start. I don’t. I see and plan out very little ahead of time. I like it that way because I get to watch the painting create itself. If I relax, and listen to the painting, it, in a way, tells me how it wants to be made. Does that sound weird? Good! I’m par for the course.

 

Artist Peter Addison invites you to follow him on YouTube, Instagram and Twitter.

 

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