Today we’d like to introduce you to Adam Maxwell Townsend.
Adam, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I am a son of school teachers and I grew up in an Appalachian town in Ohio, right across the Ohio River from West Virginia’s northern panhandle and Pittsburgh, PA.
I studied journalism and art at Ohio University in the early 2000s and I spent 11 years working as a beat reporter and investigative reporter for daily newspapers and news websites across the U.S., including the Orange County Register.
In addition to spending that time getting an in-depth education on how the world works and developing my artistic vision and skills, I met and married my wife Laura Lee, another OU alum.
Lately, I’ve been attempting some of my most ambitions work yet, including a large-scale, three-panel screen in oils, and sculptures in ceramic and stone.
I live with my wife and young daughter, Avery Alice, in San Clemente, California.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I’m a painter, illustrator, writer and photographer. My art is informed by 11 years as an investigative and breaking news journalist and illustrator at newspapers and web sites across the country.
Recently, I completed his first mystery novel, which draws from his experience as an investigative and beat reporter in Southern California. The novel is in the revision and development process.
My varied storytelling experience has led me to develop a deeply detailed narrative style in creating my paintings and illustrations. These include large-scale gallery pieces, book covers, theatrical posters and editorial images, including some courtroom illustration.
The interplay of color and light on the human form is what fascinates me most. I try to fill each piece with motion and light; giving the viewer a million tiny details to grab her attention.
I pride myself on a bold, illustrative style; each painting aims to create a storybook or chronicle without words, though, I also plays with incorporating typography into my work, as well as various aesthetic motifs from around the globe.
Lately, I’ve been spending time on my most ambitious set of oil paintings yet, “The Fates,” while also honing my skills in stone and ceramic sculpture.
In your view, what is the biggest issue artists have to deal with?
The biggest challenge I feel artists face today, is navigating the overwhelming tasks involved in marketing themselves. Artists have more avenues for promotion than ever before, but that also makes it difficult to know where to begin. Also, it makes it easy for unethical entities and publishers to co-opt your work without paying; a double-edge to the coveted sword of “going viral.”
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I have a small space with several paintings on display at 5 O’Clock Wine Bar at Alamitos Bay Marina in Long Beach. I’m always posting new work and projects on my website, TownsendCreativeImaging.com and @townsend_creative_imaging on Instagram, as well as my Facebook pages.
I don’t have any shows currently in the works, but I’m always looking for partners and group shows around Southern California to show my work. Anyone can contact me to inquire about an existing piece, illustration work or a painting commission at a.maxwelltownsend@gmail.com or 740-632-3819.
Contact Info:
- Website: TownsendCreativeImaging.com
- Phone: 740-632-3819
- Email: a.maxwelltownsend@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/townsend_creative_imaging/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TownsendCreativeImaging/
Image Credit:
Adam Maxwell Townsend
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