Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Steve Griggs. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Steve, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
This question assumes I HAVE overcome imposter syndrome. Ha! I am, by nature, fairly shy and quiet. When I first started submitting my paintings to juried exhibitions it was intimidating and even though I started winning awards right away I always thought someone would figure out I wasn’t a ‘real artist.’ Eventually I stopped entering shows as an Emerging Artist, if they had that category, and entered as a Professional Artist. I also made the conscious decision to call myself an artist. It felt odd at first but I kept at it.
I’ve been a professional artist for a while now and after teaching all over the United States, jurying several national exhibitions, writing numerous articles, being represented by some high-end galleries, and winning dozens of awards, I’ve largely overcome imposter syndrome. That said, I always want to keep growing and learning as an artist. I hope I never feel I’ve ‘arrived.’ While I no longer struggle with someone figuring out I’m not a real artist, I don’t ever want to stop striving to be better. I’m happy to share my expertise with others but it’s important to be honest about the places where I have more to learn or times when I’ve really missed the mark. Everyone has points of weakness. That doesn’t make us imposters. It makes us human.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’ve been painting with watercolor for years. While I’ve established my style, I’m always looking for new ways to approach it and change it up a bit. Recently I moved my studio to Prism Workspaces in Denver. One of the reasons I made the move was so I would have the space to work on a larger scale. Shortly after moving to the new studio, I was commissioned to render my interpretation of a Tuscan landscape in a 48″ x 32″ painting. That’s big for a watercolor! Whenever I’m asked to do a commission, I provide the client with a few options from which to choose. I ended up with five beautiful, large paintings. The client chose one and I’ve framed the others to hang in my studio/gallery. Now I’m hooked on painting large! It creates such a dramatic statement piece.
One of the unique things about the way I paint is I never draw on my watercolor paper. I start with a blank paper and go from there. I work out the details of my painting in a sketchbook before I ever put a brush to my paper. Painting in a large format adds a whole new level of difficulty when there is no drawing involved! I’m very excited about this new venture into large, statement paintings.
In addition, I’ve started selling prints of some of my paintings on my website. This is also an exciting development because it allows me to make my art accessible to a broader audience. A collector can now go to my website and order prints in various sizes and price points that suit them best.
So, whether it’s a large original or a small print or something in between, I’m thrilled to make my art available to as many collectors as possible!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
As with many artists, I was born with an innate ability. While my skills were rudimentary as a child, I was always drawing and painting; learning as I grew. Even with innate skills, however, I had to learn from more experienced artists in order to find my own style and voice. I took classes, read books, watched videos, and practiced constantly. Anyone starting out as an artist should try to seek out knowlege as much as possible. There are unlimited resources for learning, practicing, and growing as an artist.
Probably the most significant way I developed my skill was through drawing and painting in sketchbooks. I still carry a sketchbook with me everywhere I go. Almost all of my ideas are incubated in a sketchbook before I ever start to paint. In every class I teach, I preach the necessity of keeping a sketchbook at all times. Sketch and draw and practice and experiment. I cannot stress enough the value of sketchbooks.
Finally, I think my insatiable curiosity has been invaluable in my development as an artist. I ask the question ‘what if’ almost daily as I paint. What if I try this? What if I use this color? What if I use this technique? I would encourage someone early in their journey to experiment with their art. Try new things. Fail. Make mistakes. Along the way you’ll also discover beautiful gems and valuable knowledge. You’ll learn what works and what doesn’t and gain confidence in your own artist voice.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
I am often asked to do commission paintings. One of the first questions I ask is if the client understands my work. I am not a representational artist. Nor am I an abstract artist. My paintings are more ‘abstract realism.’ I interpret what I see but I don’t try to replicate it. If a client comes to me and says, “I’d like a painting of ‘X,’ but I want your interpretation of it,” I know we’re on to something.
I don’t mind working in a defined color palette or within certain dimensions but when it comes to the actual painting, I prefer the client not have a lot of preconceived ideas of what the painting should look like. Almost every time I’ve been asked to do a commission, the client has said they like my painting style and want my interpretation of a scene. I thoroughly enjoy creating paintings and allowing them to choose the one that suits them best.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stevegriggswatercolor.com
- Instagram: @stevegriggswatercolor
- Facebook: @stevegriggswatercolor
- Youtube: @stevegriggswatercolor
- Other: [email protected]
