Large Scale Paintings and Trusting Your Instincts, with Palden Hamilton

What captures an artist’s imagination to create large-scale paintings? How do you tap into the boldness that's necessary to follow your instincts and create something that feels impossible? My guest is Palden Hamilton, a representational painter from Baltimore, Maryland. He studied at the Art Institute of Chicago where he earned his BFA. In our conversation, we talk about chaos and order, finding your voice, what materials Palden uses to paint on, his upcoming large-scale paintings, his desire to connect with the external world and so much more! I can’t wait for you to hear from Palden’s unique take on life as an artist.
Life lessons from observing trees. What is it that inspires your creativity? Is it great literature? Is it beautifully composed music? What resonates so deeply in you that it ignites the spark of creativity? For artist, Palden Hamilton it's a desire to connect with the external world. It was a feeling of longing and an emotional response to nature that led Palden to start drawing. In our conversation, Palden also touched on some life lessons he has learned from observing nature and in particular, trees. As an artist in residence at the Ladew Topiary Gardens, Palden enjoyed studying the trees and observed how they are a great analogy to many aspects of life.
Branding, telling your story and cultivating curiosity. Let’s face it, in the art community, “Branding” is often a dirty word. It doesn’t have to be! Think of it this way, branding is just a way of communicating your story. What is the story that you want to tell with your art? As an artist, you’ve cultivated a sense of curiosity for the world around you. Don’t stop! Continue to cultivate and nurture that sense of curiosity in your work and use it to tell your story. Palden Hamilton is passionate about telling his story and continuing to explore various aspects of his creativity as an artist. At the end of the day, Palden refuses to let others dictate his direction as an artist and he encourages artists like you to do the same. Tell your story with boldness, the world needs your voice!
Pursuing the dream to create large-scale paintings. When was the last time you allowed yourself to go crazy and chase that rabbit on an unexpected adventure? As you follow your curiosity, you’ll discover different angles that will spark a new perspective. It’s up to you if you are ready to pull that thread and see what unravels. Palden Hamilton has been pulling those threads for a while and has arrived at a new project, large-scale paintings. He’s been considering this new project for some time and now he is ready to move forward. I loved hearing Palden’s passion and excitement for his new project and I know artists like you will geek out with me as he describes his intended approach.
Find your voice and be you! One of the biggest themes from my conversation with Palden Hamilton was the desire to find, articulate, and communicate his voice as an artist. I’ve struggled with this topic over the course of my art career and I know that many of you have as well. From our discussion about his new large-scale paintings to his observations from nature, Palden was kind enough to open up about these topics and everything in between. I hope you are inspired by Palden’s boldness and the risks he takes with his art. Don’t forget, your voice is valuable! Make sure to check out images of his artwork located at the end of this post!
Outline of This Episode [1:00] I introduce my guest, Palden Hamilton. [2:30] Palden talks about how he started with his passion for art. [5:00] What was it like growing up with Japanese and Himalayan influences? [8:20] How Palden decided to pursue an art career. [10:20] Life lessons learned from observing trees. [12:30] Tackling the unknown and cultivating curiosity. [15:40] Palden describes his artwork. [17:15] A desire to connect with the external world. [20:20] How dreams have impacted Palden’s imagination. [24:30] Palden talks about his plans to create monumental paintings. [33:20] Stepping back and getting perspective. [35:00] The struggle of second-guessing yourself. [41:00] Why it's important to find your voice and be you! [42:30] Trust your instincts. [46:00] Why we shouldn’t live with regrets. [51:00] Wrestling with the “Truth.” [54:00] Palden talks about getting an “Epiphany.” [57:00] Setting parameters on creativity. Other artists mentioned on this episode Diego Rivera Betty Edwards Pablo Picasso Rick Casali David Leffel Vincent Desiderio Philip Guston Abbott Handerson Thayer Roger Scruton Scott Conary Susanna Coffey Emily Nelligan Resources Mentioned on this episode Check out Palden's Website Drawing from the Right Side of the Brain Top Five Regrets Dying The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Connect With Antrese On Facebook On Pinterest On Instagram On Twitter