Shawn Thomas

Shawn Thomas

August 18, 2012 · by · in ,

Artist Name

Shawn Thomas

Additional web address

Little Red Paintings

How and when did you start creating?

I have always been artistic in some way, my mom always had me enrolled in classes at the local studios or parks, but I first started painting seriously about eight years ago. One day I decided to go to the art supply store in my neighborhood and buy paints, canvas, and some brushes. I had no idea what I was doing back then, but when the brush first hit my canvas, I fell in love instantly and never wanted to stop.

What is your primary medium and what will you be showing at the Ravenswood ArtWalk?

I work primarily with acrylic paint on canvas, and I have about eight paintings that I will be displaying at the ArtWalk. I have some new fun and colorful paintings that I am really excited to show to the public.

Where do you find your inspiration? What is your greatest influence?

I find myself inspired by the most random things, like the shape of an umbrella, or the way two colors look next to each other, and even song lyrics have been known to get my creativity flowing. I am also am very inspired by nature, and many of my paintings include elements of nature in them. I think living and growing up in the Chicago, and the idea of calling this city home has been my greatest influence, and all the aspects of getting to take in all the excitement that the city has to offer me.

This year the Chicago Artist Month theme is Art Block by Block, which looks at the impact of artists on community, describe your experience as a creative in your neighborhood?

I live in the Ravenswood neighborhood, so I am lucky to have the Ravenswood ArtWalk pretty much right in my backyard. I have also taken some great classes at Lill Street Art Studio which was a great learning experience when I was just starting out. There seems to be some kind of art show or even in the area on any given day which is great to be able to get out there and meet other artists in my neighborhood.

What are you looking forward to seeing at the 2012 Ravenswood Artwalk?

I always love seeing all of the jewelry makers, and it would be nice to see some other painters. I remember how nervous I was when I did the Artwalk for the first time last year so it'll be nice to see the first time artists that are as excited and nervous as I was.

Explain the images you are submitting for the blog.

The first image is my "Little Red" logo that I use as my trademark and is a character I present in a few of my paintings.

The second image is my painting "Daydreamin'" which is a fun whimsical scene of a girl under an umbrella after a storm has broken. I always wanted to paint an umbrella for some reason and was excited to be able to do so in this painting.

The third image is called "Road Trippin'", which is a colorful and fun landscape scene that I loved working on.