Meet Taylor Watson | Drawing and Painting Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Taylor Watson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Taylor, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
The reason I pursued a career as a creative is because the more I worked “normal” 9-5 jobs, I realized very quickly that I just wasn’t happy. I started to notice that my mind had become more and more focused on my art. No matter how busy I was at my job, I still caught myself sketching on things, running new ideas through my head, and coming up with concepts of the next painting I was going to start when I got home. I became more and more unhappy with my day to day jobs and wanted to pursue my passion for art. I would even get in trouble for sketching on the job. Lol . Although I still work a normal 9-5 job, I still try to set aside majority of my time for my art. I set up a system to push myself into doing my art full time.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets my art apart from others is my attention to color and how I mix portraiture with floral elements. My concepts of art come for my connection with my African American roots, style and culture. I really love to paint portraits of black and brown people of the African diaspora and depict them in strong, powerful and elegant ways. Specifically black woman. As a black woman myself I know how important representation is and part of my work is to show that black people not only carry a sense of strength and power but can show vulnerability and softness and still be unapologetically beautiful.

Getting start in my art career definitely wasn’t easy. I truly blessed to have the opportunities to do what I love but there was definitely some struggle along the way. Being a college student and going to school to get an art degree and paying a lot of it out of pocket definitely has is challenges, especially in the financial department. I didn’t scholarships like some students and I was working a full time job and living on my own. I honestly don’t know how I didn’t quit then but it was the support from my friends and family that kept me going. A few things I have learned so far is 1 ” Only worry about what you can control for today.” 2 Show up for yourself and advocate for yourself.” 3 “Affirmations are real and they work. Speak goodness into your self and watch things fall into place.”

One thing I want people to get from my brand and artwork is my passion for art. I love painting and want to share my concepts to whoever will listen. I also love to push representation. I want to open space for other artist of color to feel comfortable expressing themselves in any way shape of form. I realize that doing and creating the work that I like along with other artist that are working it, without trying, it creates a path and a space for other artist to do the same.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am a huge kid at heart. This awesome week long list goes as follows

First part of the week I would say Monday-Wednesday, because I am a huge museum person, I would plan trips to the DMA or Fort Worth Modern plan a little lunch spread to hang out in the art garden at the DMA. I would probably follow it up with a cool stroll through the Arts district to go take photos near all the murals in that area. I would also hit up a few brunch bars in the area as well. I love anything artsy so i would definitely do a paint and sip class as well.
Thursday I might do bowling or skating ( Fun fact: I actually pretty good at bowling:))
Friday I would probably spend the day hanging out at home relaxing or just a trip to the park or somethin go groceries shopping and get some good food and have like a small kickback at home with friends. All my friends know I love to play UNO or Taboo. Definitely bring out the drinking card games and Jenga.
Saturday would be another night out. I really love this place in Dallas called Ebb & Flow. Really nice cute place to eat in a nice area in Dallas and the food is great!
Sunday we would rest and enjoy the day relaxing and then I would send my friends off to start their work weeks with great memories.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would definitely like to shoutout my close family my mom, dad and little sister (Sondra, Tony and Victoria) for always pushing me to keep going. There are many times I wanted to stop and hearing their words of encouragement help me see the bigger picture and give me the energy to keep moving and never stop.

Website: taylorwatsonart.com

Instagram: @taylorwatson_art

Linkedin: Taylor Watson Art

Facebook: @taylorwatson_art

Image Credits
All these photos were taken by me.