Interview
Matthew Elliott
Matthew Elliott is a self taught mixed media artist. His passion lies with wet on wet oil and acrylic painting techniques. He uses a modified technique of Bob Ross and Marion Dutton (MazArt) and his favorite scenes to paint are landscapes and buffalo.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My greatest achievement as an artist is being called the next Michael Angelo by my 10-year old grandson! I have dabbled in art for many years as a hobby but now I use art to help me deal with my PTSD and depression and I hope to inspire others to do the same. I would be honored to have you join me on this journey.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“I prefer to not mix my politics or religion with my art since all three topics can be contraversal and subjective. I prefer to leave my art pure and happy. I have found that by doing so it is often easier to make new friends and admire other artist work without any prejudices.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“I try my best to plan in advance but I do get sudden and unexpected ideas and inspirations that I simply must act on! Some times this method leads to some very beautiful and powerful art.”
“I prefer to leave my art pure and happy.”
Are there any art world trends are you following?
“I have never really been one to follow trends of any kind. Too often trends are over before they really start good and you can waste a lot of time chasing trends. I do research them and monitor them for informational purposes. I prefer to just stick with what I know and works for me adding in new techniques or ideas here and there in small doses.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“I take a lot of photos and save a lot from research on the internet, I also have friends that send me pictures from their travels. Depending on my subject matter, I will usually start with a rough sketch, move into a drawing and then one I have refined all of the elements, I will do a final more formal drawing to use as a reference for my painting. I also just ‘wing it’ from memory on occasion. I use almost every media I can get my hands on but my mood usually dictates which one i use at any given moment.”
What does your art mean to you?
“Peace, happiness and freedom from the worlds many issues and unneeded drama. My art is an escape for me and it’s how I am learning to communicate without speaking.”
What’s your favourite artwork and why?
“This is more difficult to answer than I thought. Any piece of artwork that makes me smile and feel happy and peaceful inside or that can make me laugh due to message it sends out is my favorite. If you need more than that, I have several paintings that my grandsons painted with me that I will treasure forever and would not take any amount of money for.”
Website: Melliottfineart.com
Instagram: @Melliottfineart
