David Arathoon is a nationally successful artist living in Toronto, whose works reside in numerous private and public galleries, as well as in corporate and private collections all over the world. I found David’s work to be lovely and salutary and would like to share his artistry with you. Here is my exclusive interview with David Arathoon ~

First, a little bit about you… who are you and what is your occupation?

I am David Arathoon, a professional artist based in Toronto, working full time on my paintings since 1984. I have also founded and assisted in various charity work using my art for many years.

Why do you do what you do? 

My childhood past time became my life’s work.

What’s your background?

I had a 5 year period at Ontario College of Art and Design University. Afterwards, I worked approximately 2 years. I also taught art to children during summers. In addition, I restored antiques, primarily old brass lighting fixtures, as well as creating traditional faux finishes and murals on walls, furniture and wood panels.

Can you describe the time when you first realized that creating was something you absolutely had to do?

I have been sketching, painting since childhood and did not stop. I suppose when we were being counseled on career choices in Junior High School, I formed opinions about being an Artist, Art teaching. I really did not figure on some other line of work other then in the Arts.

Where do you think your creativity comes from?

Self-expression, storytelling, creating other worlds of my own reality.

What’s essential to the work of an artist?

For me it was a solid education in the Art History of many cultures. Then the aspects of drawing from life, composition, 2-dimensional design and perspective, 3 Dimensional Design, Colour Theory, Mediums and Methods of the Artist. More or less I assembled a basket of techniques from which to use or disregard in the creation of my art.

What kind of creative patterns, routines or rituals do you have, i.e., how do you work?

I believe in discipline, like an athlete in training. Even when I’m away from my work, I am highly observant, making notes, sketching and taking tons of iPhotos. I find that smart phones are a handy tool. I like to take notice of the smallest things that others might overlook.

What themes do you pursue?

I chose to paint what I know and am familiar with, even if it is my own “dreams and visions”. When painting flowers, I choose subject matter I have on hand, or that I have grown, or that are available to me. However, I do not let these overwhelm my own imagination. I do not try to reproduce my art like a photograph, as in hyper-realism.

Which creative medium would you love to pursue, but haven’t yet?

Sculpture, but I have not focused on this. I have taken courses for my own interest, but never expected to go beyond it as a hobby.

Is the artistic life lonely? If so, what do you do to counteract it?

I am alone a lot of the time. But my other time is spent with family, friends and collectors. I also enjoy my health club/gym, being a firm believer that staying fit is good for body and mind. Art collectors often come for a look at my work and we end up having lunch, wine, and a long chat. I stay busy and am rarely unoccupied.

If we were going to talk about your art, where would you want to start?

I am traditional and use traditional materials for the most part. I use oil on canvas or wood. I always have. When it comes to selling my work, I prefer to leave the business of selling to dealers, but I am trying to work with collectors and designers, as needs be.

What work do you most enjoying doing?

Painting in nature, out of doors.

What art do you most identify with?

Traditional Art for the most part. Also, late 19th and early 20th century art… i.e., the Impressionist and Post Impressionists.

What’s your favorite thing you’ve ever created?

Very hard to say as I put the same energy into each work. It is always one of the most recent pieces that I like the best. My work named, “By the Sea” on my website is a new favorite of mine.

www.davidarathoonstudio.com/pages/wn2bythesealrg.html

What’s your favorite art work in the world?

It would be the late life works of Monet, from his Waterlily Paintings when his vision was bad and he painted with great passion. The Japanese Bridge over his Water Lily Gardens, which I visited outside of Paris on two occasions, is very special to me.

What has been your influencing experience?

I am influenced by everyday life, as well as the history of art, which I studied both in high school and many years at college. I am also influenced by my own ancestors of Armenian and British descent – their struggles and achievements.

What art movement or artist would you say influences your work most?

I am partial to the Impressionist and Post Impressionist movements.

If there were one dead artist that you could hang out with for a day, who would that be?

I think I would like to ”hang out” with Monet.

Are you inspired by anything new?

Yes… new art, music, fashion, lifestyle.

Favorite or most inspirational place?

Claude Monet’s later home at Giverny.

Describe a real-life situation that inspired you.

Most recently, a visit this week to sketch at the Royal Botanical Gardens at Hamilton, Ontario. I could do a life-long series based on the Lilac Dell alone.

How has your work changed over time?

I am happier to experiment with new method and mediums. For instance, some of my works on wood are getting a deep lacquer finish, giving them a completely different look. I am also considering some digital reproductions.

What memorable responses have you had to your
work?

Happy collectors have sent me letters with compliments over the years. Nowadays it is emails, but it use to be cards and letters.

What is your dream project?

A large work space indoors or outside, where the public could drop by to view works in process of being created. It could be combined with a charitable cause.

What are you working on currently that excites you?

I am working on a series of swans and peacocks. Each one is sold as I make them.

Professionally, what’s your goal?

Not to be the “flavor of the month”. I would like to develop my artistic career over time with my collectors.

What role do you believe that the artist has in society?

An artist can lead, follow, uplift or provoke with their work. Art is often a reflection or extension of personality and for me, it is for the viewer to escape and enter into my world. How I wish to create my world through artistic expression is varied.

What are your thoughts on being an artist in today’s
world?

I see it is about the same, with online sales opportunities and social media thrown in, which were not previously available. Unfortunately, some of the galleries cannot stay open for the constant competition coming from the internet.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Get up, get to the studio and get to work! (I paraphrase a top Canadian athlete and artist who “gifted” me some space in his large studio when I was quite young.)

Please visit David’s website to view his works at – DavidArathoonStudio