Figurative art - Danny Grant - RealismToday.com
"Big Dreams" by Danny Grant

Today’s spotlight is on Danny Grant, a featured artist at a previous Figurative Art Convention & Expo. (Join us for the next amazing event > Realism Live: A Global Virtual Art Conference.) Enjoy this Q&A we had about his work, his young model, and more.

Cherie Dawn Haas: Please tell us the story behind the painting above, “Big Dreams.”
Danny Grant: The model is my stepson, who was 10 years old at the time (2013). I love the theme of youth facing the future and considering all that is possible to experience and achieve. That was the idea behind this painting. I set him up on a dresser in my studio and let him watch TV shows on a tablet. He did a remarkably good job posing. I paid him $3 an hour. I’m pretty sure I’ll have to pay him more to pose now.

Figurative art by Danny Grant - FineArtConnoisseur.com
Self-portrait by Danny Grant

CDH: What draws you to the figure in comparison to other subjects?
DG: I think the thing that is so attractive about the figure as a subject is the immediate emotional impact on the viewer. When we see a figure in art, we have some immediate response. We could empathize with their situation. We could be repulsed by them. We could be inspired . . . etc. The narrative possibilities are endless with the figure.

Figurative art by Danny Grant - FineArtConnoisseur.com
“Lisa” by Danny Grant

CDH: Why do you create art?
DG: I’m addicted to it. I need it. It’s hard to explain outside of that. There is just nothing more satisfying and meaningful to me than creating something visually and (hopefully) emotionally appealing that wasn’t there before.

About the artist: Danny Grant (b.1979) was born and raised in Garland, TX. He received a BFA in illustration from the Academy of Art University in 2003. In 2006 Grant moved to New York City to study with Jacob Collins at his Water Street Atelier. Since 2010 he has been a drawing and painting instructor at Gemini School of Visual Arts in Cedar Park, TX. He also teaches privately and is the creator and host of “The Studio” podcast. Grant’s work is represented by Quent Cordair Fine Art in Napa, CA. He lives with his family in Austin, TX. Visit his website at dannygrantfineart.com.

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