Have you ever been to a gallery and had to force yourself not to touch the paintings? The work of Nathan DeYoung gives me that exact feeling. Using acrylic on wood he combines subtle realistic painting of wistful women with an explosion of bold, vivid colors which creates an irresistible combination. His technique of applying layer upon layer lets his subjects emerge as if they do so by magic rather than by brush strokes and the result is a vibrant energy you can almost touch.
DeYoung’s ability to transfer his own observation of the human condition onto the canvas and leave the onlooker in a state of absorption is nothing short of awe-inspiring and, if you take into account that he’s only 22 and self-taught, this makes him one of the most interesting contemporary realistic painters out there. Have a look for yourself…
If your paintings were music what would they sound like?
What a great question! I am inspired by so many styles of art, my work ends up being this kind of visual mash up. I love music and art that takes from various sources, so I think my paintings would probably sound like some kind of experimental, progressive post hardcore jam band with some traditional song writing structure thrown in to hold it all together. I would be really excited if my work sounded like The Dillinger Escape Plan was rocking out with The Mars Volta while they were both listening to Radiohead. Not that my work could even hold a candle to any of those amazing artists, but it would be incredible if my work did sound like that, haha!
In your opinion, what makes a good painting?
For me, a good painting has strong composition, color play, technical consistency, honesty, courage, a unique voice and that indefinable quality that allows it to pull on your insides.
What do you think is the most challenging thing about painting?
That’s a really tough question. I think for me I struggle most with that disconnect between what I want the painting to be and what I actually am able to create. Painting for me is very much a mental battle and I can be very self critical and more often than not I feel somewhat disappointed that I wasn’t able to accurately translate an idea or a technique the way I had hoped I would be able to. In so many ways I am a very inexperienced painter and that lack of experience can lead to frustration and fear, and trying to stay positive and clear headed can become quite the challenge.
Is there anything you would have done differently during your artistic career?
Not really, I have made many beginner mistakes but fortunately I have been able to learn from most of them and that is all apart of the journey. Of course there are things that I wish I had done or had not done but if life always worked out perfectly it wouldn’t really be worth doing.
Which artists have influenced you, and how?
I’ve been really influenced by artists like Gerhard Richter, Ian Francis, Conor Harrington, Wasily Kandinsky, Ashley Thorp, Gustav Klimt, The Dillinger Escape Plan, The National, Radiohead, Christopher Polentz, Michel Gondry, Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu, Sam Mendes, David Fincher, Darren Aronofsky, Alfonso Cuaron, Martin Scorsese, Spike Jonze, Giovanni Boldini, Dave Kinsey, The Mars Volta and The Blood Brothers.
I find inspiration and influence in their work for countless reasons, but to put it simply I love their commitment to their vision, the integrity in which they create and present their work and the feeling I get when I am exposed to something they have created.
What do you do when you get bored?
Honestly, I haven’t been bored in years. I am almost always working, and when I’m not working I have other interests that keep me very occupied. I really savor every moment I have especially when I get to unwind and listen to a great record or watch a beautiful movie. I always catch myself wishing I had more hours in the day because mine just seem to vanish before my eyes.
In your studio/workplace, what is your most treasured possession?
Without a doubt it would be a painting titled “JenCon”, it’s the only original piece of art I own and it was painted by my good friend and mentor Ashley Thorp. From the moment I saw the painting I wanted it, and after years of wanting he eventually gave it to me as a birthday present and I love it just as much today as I did the first time I saw it.
You live in San Diego, what’s the one thing everybody should know about that place?
It is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States and the weather is simply to die for.
Which are your favorite galleries?
I really don’t stay as current and up to date with the gallery scene as much as I probably should but some galleries I do really love and admire are Thinkspace Gallery, Kinsey/Desforges Gallery and Lazarides Gallery.
Do you have any upcoming projects I should be on the lookout for?
I’m happy to say that I’ll be in hiding for most of this year so I can focus on building work for a two person show I’m in along side Linnea Strid at Thinkspace Gallery this December. I can’t wait!
Thank you, Nathan!
