August '12s Featured Artist - David Forks

David's Palette

When did you realize you loved art and wanted to be ‘an artist’?
I think I have loved art pretty much my entire life. As young as I can remember I enjoyed drawing. I was accused by my teacher of tracing a lion I drew in 3rd grade. That was actually a great compliment.
Who has been the greatest influence from your past to mentor you to this career?
George Strickland signature member and former president of P A P A.. I worked as a graphic artist for George in San Antonio right out of high school. Over the years, I have seen him hone his skills and become an elite and highly respected landscapist and plein air painter.
Who is your mentor today, or another artist you admire and why?
Has to be George again. I took his Art in the Aspens workshop last summer. I can't tell you how much I got out of the few days spent under his tutelage.
What is your favorite surface to paint on? Describe it if you make it yourself.
I like a semi smooth surface. I will paint on many different surfaces but panels are far and away my preference over stretched canvas. I think I am a pushy painter and canvas surfaces give to much.
What brand of paints do you use?
I use Lukas 1862 most frequently but also use some grumbacher and holbein as well.
Do you have a favorite color palette?
Cad yellow, cad orange, cad red, alizarin crimson, french ultramarine blue, thalo blue, then I have earth colors I add for specific paintings including raw sienna, burnt sienna, sap green and cobalt violet. I always use titanium white and rarely use black.
What is your favorite color in your closet?
Thalo green. It is atomic, so you have to be very stingy using it but I mix it with various warm colors to make some really nice grays.
What subject appears the most in your paintings and why?
Bluebonnets without a doubt. I am so drawn to the old works of Julian Onderdonk and Porfirio Salinas. Also my memories of my childhood in San Antonio and the hill country. They are nostalgic metaphors for me always reminding me of the past.
How often do you paint? How many hours a week?
Not near enough. I would paint non-stop if I could. Lately I have been working two jobs and commuting over 2 hours roundtrip per day. I paint most of the day on Saturdays and and a half day on Sunday. Soon I will give up the morning job and work noon to 8 pm. That will give me a good 3 hours each morning on the easel.
How would you like to be remembered?
As a good person, happily doing what I loved.
David Forks

Follow David

Getting Personal

What color sheets are on your bed right now?
Deep Blue
What book are you reading this week?
Haven't had time to read this week. Always refer to my collection of art related books and periodicals when time permits. Recently re-read Hawthorne on Painting.
Do you have a favorite television show?
It changes often but currently I can't get enough of Family Guy.
What is your favorite food?
I mostly eat chicken and turkey but my favorite is probably Mexican food. I do enjoy a good steak every now and then too.
What are you most proud of in your life?
My kids, my values, standing up for what I believe in regardless of the consequences to me. And now pursuing my dream.
Who would you love to interview?
Maybe Clyde Aspevig. I just admire his work and would love to know some of his techniques.
Who would you love to paint?
Can't think of anyone I would love to paint but there are a lot of people I would love to paint with.
Share something with us that few people know about you.
I have a tough exterior but inside I am a softy and have strong emotions.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
Texas. I am a Texan through and through. Born and raised here. I love the Hill Country and West Texas. All of the western states are beautiful and I would love to visit and paint in them all.
Any other thoughts to share?
I feel blessed to have at least some talent and a burning driven desire to paint and get better. Some people live their lives without anything that ever truly motivates them.

Art tells the whole story, share this one...

Say something nice :)