Name - Matthew Hyatt

Age - 23

When did you become an artist?
I don't think you ever really become an 'artist' so to speak. It's just a progression of skill and enjoyment. I remember as a kid I'd draw Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. People at school and family would always comment on them. It wasn't until high school that I began painting and photography.

What sparked your interest in the two?
In painting it was Bob Ross. I'd watch him effortlessly paint a quite realistic image in 30 minutes. I loved the quick execution because I was never one to spend too much time on an art project. It took away the spontaneity and feeling in it, I believe. His wet-on-wet technique of oils was not the easiest to clean up but I got results and fell in love with being able to paint a scene that I'd always wanted to visit. When I saw a photo I loved I'd always try to paint it. That's where the photography originally started too.

Who are your other influences?
Well, I began to focus more and more on light and notice that it could make or break the painting. I started becoming so aware of the differences in colors from light that I couldn't achieve what I wanted in Bob Ross' methods effectively. Doing some research I finally came across that great Impressionistic Movement...something I'd had no respect for prior to. They were obsessed with the ever changing, ambient effects of light to their surroundings. It's safe to say that Claude Monet and Alfred Sisley are my two most favorite Impressionists. Second to those could possibly be other movement artists such as Gustav Klimt's landscapes and Alphonse Mucha's bold art noveau style. I'm fascinated with William Turner's early use of impressionistic styles in his watercolors too.

What do you want people to get out of your art?
Very simply - me. I want them to walk away with a sense of who I am. When an individual looks at one of my works I want them to feel as if they know what was going on in the picture and in turn will have a sense of what I was thinking. They should be able to visualize a moment in time when and where it was. I want the painting or photo to represent who I am as an artist, what colors I'm most attracted to and how the image moves. I love sense of movement conveyed in my paintings especially.

That's easier said than done in abstracts...
Maybe but not really. Abstracts are like poetry. Four people can view one and find four completely different topics. It's left up to their mind and creativity, ultimately, to determine what's taking place. However, all my abstracts have an underlying theme of something usually hinted to in the titles. 

Do you have a media you like best?
I do a little of all - oils, acrylics, watercolors. I like aspects of each one. Oils retain brushstrokes better than any which gives a better sense of movement and texture. Acrylics are fast drying, easy clean up and are readily available in hundreds of colors that are quite affordable. Watercolors can produce the most beautiful transparencies and luminescent colors which are great for water and skies especially. My camera is a Nikon D40x and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. It's amazing and so functional. 

Do you have any other hobbies?
I do - I'm an avid writer. I published a book of poetry early 2007 called, "I Am Icarus". Besides that I play guitar and mandolin and run a freelance graphic design business. I also love woodworking.

Anything else to say?
Sure. As a side note, I think anyone can paint. It may take more time for some than others but if you really try and have a desire to you can. All inspiration is given from God and talent too. I take Christianity very seriously and want people to see that even in my paintings and photos. His creation is all around us and it's beautiful. We should do everything we can to share and enjoy it.

Contact:
thesouthernblood@bellsouth.net