First Impressions: Fred Fields
Norman Rockwell’s work had a profound effect on this artist
Seeing the work of Norman Rockwell in person had a profound effect on this artist.
Where did you grow up and how has this influenced your art?
I don’t know that growing up in Kentucky influenced my art. If it did, I’m not aware of it. However, moving around the country, meeting new people and working with other artists absolutely influenced my art.
After living elsewhere for roughly 30 years I moved back to Kentucky. I see it through different eyes now. I see people and places that I’d love to use as a jumping-off point for a painting. Not far from my house I spotted a group of buzzards eating something on the railroad tracks. I took tons of photos which yielded the painting Buzzard in the Rain. I see so much painting potential in my surroundings and in the people who I meet.
Is there a painting that you saw in your formative years that changed everything? What was it?
It wasn’t one painting but four: Norman Rockwell’s Four Freedoms. A few years ago my wife and I had the pleasure of visiting the Norman Rockwell Museum in the town of Stockbridge, MA, where they
I see so much painting potential in my surroundings and in the people I meet
occupy their own room. It was what I would imagine a religious experience to be like.
Tell us about your first paid commission, and does it stand as a representation of your talent?
I remember doing a black and white freelance piece while attending Central Academy of Commercial Art in Cincinnati. The art director had contacted my teacher, Mike Mcguire, and Mike asked if I was interested. I said, “Sure!” Does it look good? Nah, it looks like an AD put together a pamphlet on the cheap and hired a student to do the illo. I don’t remember what I was paid, but it put gas in the Duster.
What’s the last piece you finished, and how do the two differ?
Fast forward 35 years and I painted This is Your Captain Speaking. This is a personal piece; the idea just evolved on its own. There were a few thumbnail versions, but the idea was fairly solid when I began painting it.
How has the industry of art changed for good since you’ve been working in it?
Man, I started working in the mid80s. I sent sketches and paintings by way of Fedex. I spoke to art directors by telephone. I took reference shots on film. Samples had to be printed out in mass and sent out. I didn’t have a computer or Photoshop. I had pencil, tracing paper and a Kinko’s nearby. I don’t know what has changed in the industry but I know what has changed for me as an artist: the technology.
Is making a living as an artist all you thought it would be?
It’s definitely feast and famine and can be tough, but I do what I love.
What advice would you give to your younger self to aid you on the way?
Keep a more open mind, always be a student and invest in Microsoft.
Fred has worked for advertising firm Leo Burnett, TSR, Inc., Wizards of the Coast and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. Currently, Fred paints commissions, personal pieces and works at Ink Well Tattoo. You can see more of his art at www.fmfsdg.fineartstudioonline.com.