Interview With 1stAngel

John Kraft

Welcome to the Artists Blog

When did you first become interested in art?

I can’t remember a time when I was not interested in art, but I’ve had a rather odd path to becoming a working artist. My degrees are in engineering, but shortly after college I realized I had more interest in creating art than in continuing as an engineer. In parallel to developing as a visual artist I ‘made my way’ by working as marketing and branding consultant, which has been a big help in promoting my own art.

What style of art do you use most?

My style is primarily representational, but it’s what I would describe as minimalist. I only develop the different components of any given composition to the point necessary to convey their identity.

Has your style changed from when you first began as an artist?

My style has definitely changed.

My very early works were completely abstract and non-representational, but for the past 10 years or so I have locked on what I would call ‘my style’, which is reflected in the images shared here as part of this interview.

What medium do you use?

I typically create my pieces as acrylics on wood panel with pastel accents, and then bring the work into the digital realm to share as high quality archival reproductions, both signed and unsigned.

What made you choose that medium?

While some of my originals are created on canvas, I love painting on wood panel because of the hard surface enables better line control. And I prefer acrylics to oils because my work tends to be layered and acrylics let me work faster.

Do your ideas come from life or imagination?

I’d say my work is taken from my life through the filter of my imagination.

How do you choose your images and colours?

I have many works that represent real places, real people, but it’s all communicated through the visual vocabulary that I’ve developed over the years. I have a very specific palette that I’ve used over the past decade, which is rooted in the simplest form of color theory. I try to create contrast and ‘pop’ through the juxtaposition of complimentary colors. And actually in many of my pieces, I create and under painting in the complimentary color of the final top layer. My view is that this creates a resonance within the piece that is not normally seen when painting on a white surface.

Who is your favourite artist?

Keith Haring

What is your favourite piece of work by yourself?

Lombard Street

How much time (on average) does it take to complete a work?

Some pieces, like ‘Napa Valley Crush’ can take as long as a month, while others, like ‘Racing the Moon’ might take a single weekend.

How well do you take criticism?

It’s a good question. I never attended art school or had formal art training so I’ve never really had to ‘defend’ my work to anyone. Having said that, I’m always open to comments – positive or negative.

What do you do to overcome a ‘block’?

I try not to worry about it; and really good red wine helps too

How do you know something is ‘finished’? Is it easy to walk away?

Another great question. Sometimes it’s easier than other times. I usually have the 24 hr. rule. If I “think” a piece is finished, I step away and forget about it for 24 hrs., then come back and look at the piece fresh before making the final call.

Have you had exhibits in galleries?

Yes. Mostly in the San Francisco Bay Area. My current exhibition is a private exhibition at Intel’s worldwide corporate headquarters in California. I’ve also created an online reception to coincide with the show that includes video and commentary on all the work in the show. It can be viewed at http://www.johnkraft.com/virtual-opening

Have you any exhibits in galleries planned for the future?

In December I’ll be participating in the Step by Step art auction in Miami at the Durban Segnini Gallery. The piece is an original painting on a sculpture by Jorge Blanco.

What are your plans for the future?

To continue producing my art and sharing it with as many people as possible.

What advice would you give new artists?

Enjoy what you do. Don’t worry about what others might think or say about your work. You WILL find your audience. Also, take full advantage of the internet to share your work.

I adore your paintings… They are so unique!! Thank you so much for the interview

You can view more of John’s amazing images at http://www.johnkraft.com