We were lucky to catch up with Payton Thomas recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Payton, so excited to have you with us today, particularly to get your insight on a topic that comes up constantly in the community – overcoming creativity blocks. Any thoughts you can share with us?
Creative block tends to pop up at the most inconvenient times. As I started to grow as an artist creative blocks would catch me in the middle of a painting, causing me to try forcing something on a canvas that wasn’t ment to be. The way I’ve adapted in dealing with creative blocks is working on multiple pieces at once while observing related works. This process of mine keeps me interested and focused while keeping the creative juices flowing as I jump to each piece.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m an abstract artist born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, where the cultural roots of bourbon, horses, and Southern charm deeply influence my work. I exclusively use a palette knife to create my pieces, which gives them a unique texture and energy. My artistic journey began as a way to pass the time, but it quickly turned into a passion when I saw how people connected with my paintings, particularly my depictions of bourbon bottles and horses—symbols that resonate strongly in Kentucky.
After graduating from SCAD in Savannah, Georgia, I’ve been fortunate to build a career that allows me to combine my creative passion with raising my two children. I’m currently represented by Kore Gallery in Louisville, where I’ve found incredible support from the local art community. My work is also featured in several local hotels, which has been an exciting way to share my art with a broader audience.
Right now, I’m preparing for a solo show in May, which will focus on horse-themed pieces in celebration of the Derby. This collection will highlight the elegance, power, and cultural significance of horses in Kentucky. It’s a labor of love and a tribute to my roots, and I’m excited to share it with both locals and visitors who come to Louisville for this iconic event.
For me, art is more than a career—it’s a way to tell stories, celebrate our heritage, and connect with others. I’m grateful every day to do what I love and share a piece of Kentucky with the world through my paintings.
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?
Looking back, three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were developing a strong work ethic, staying open to learning, and believing in myself. A strong work ethic was essential for setting goals and putting in the hours necessary to improve my craft. I also made a point to learn from others—seeking out advice and inspiration from more established and skilled artists allowed me to grow in ways I couldn’t have on my own. Finally, self-belief was crucial. There were times when others didn’t understand or support my vision, but my confidence in my art and what I wanted to achieve kept me moving forward.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to stay focused on your craft and keep putting in the work, even when it feels challenging or progress seems slow. Surround yourself with positive energy and motivating people who inspire and push you to be better. Most importantly, understand that setbacks are a part of the process. It’s not a question of if you’ll face obstacles but when. What matters most is how you respond—get back up, learn from your mistakes, and use every experience, whether good or bad, as an opportunity to grow.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed while preparing for a show or exhibition, the first thing I do is step away and take a moment to clear my mind. Sometimes, a little distance is all it takes to regain focus and perspective. Once I’m calm, I break the process down into smaller, manageable steps by setting specific goals for each piece.
I also find it helpful to work on multiple pieces at the same time. This approach allows me to keep my momentum going—if I hit a stopping point on one piece or need time to reflect on it, I can shift my attention to another and stay productive. It’s all about finding a rhythm that keeps the creativity flowing while avoiding burnout.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.paytonthomas.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/payton.thomas_art?igsh=a29ua2pzZGhuZG12&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1A54Ek83EQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/payton-thomas-b5475780?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Other: https://Koreartgallery.com
Image Credits
N/A
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
