IDOLS OF ART WALK: Joe Taylor
Joe Taylor
- Age: 60
- Hometown: Born in East Texas, but hometown is now McAllen
- Influences: Supportive and encouraging friends whose kindness and generosity and belief in me convinced me I could "do this"... the Kirk Clarks, the Steve Ahlenius', the Rodney & Joy Phenixs of my world
- Website/ Myspace page: www.taylorartmcallen.com; www.mcallenart.com; www.worksofthespirit.com
How did you become interested in creating images with graphite?
I started drawing with a pencil at an early age because that is all I had ...and then developed it into a serious, finished medium over the years.
What is the hardest part of creating art with graphite?
There is not too much hard about creating art in graphite... often the hardest part is convincing others that graphite IS art... and serious art at that.
What are your favorite things to draw?
Interesting people!
Who are your favorite artists?
Andrew Wyeth; Howard Terpning; All Members of the Taos Society of Artists, c. 1912; historical photographer Edward S. Curtis
What are the most interesting places art has taken you to?
The places where I have found those interesting people.... the Crow Indian Fair in Montana; the American Indian Exposition and the Cherokee National Holiday Celebration in Oklahoma; Santa Fe and Taos in New Mexico; the State Capitol in Austin where one of my portraits hangs
What does graphite allow you to create that color wouldn't?
Graphite brings a high level of drama and intensity and uniqueness to a portrait that is not always as easily captured in natural color tones
Who makes a good subject for your work?
Someone with a strong, exciting personality and a story to tell through the expression in the face and the soul in the eyes
