Interview with artist Daniel Marshall

Daniel Marshall is an award winning tattooer who has been tattooing for over 20 years. In the fall of 2011 he became completely obsessed with painting in watercolor. Painting en plein air nearly everyday and studying under renowned watercolor artist Joseph Zbukvic, Dan's technique developed rapidly. He has quickly developed a confident style, with his paintings being accepted into many juried exhibitions and winning awards.  In 2016, Dan was granted signature status with the American Watercolor Society. Dan's style brings a sense of space and atmosphere with a quiet sophistication. Through his careful compositions and use of tone, his works have a poetic narrative, each piece telling a unique story. Daniel Marshall is an Ambassador for St Cuthberts Mill.

                'Northfork pumpkin picking' by Daniel Marshall 

Juried into the American Watercolor Society 147th international exhibition

Watercolour on Saunders Waterford Rough paper

Interview with Daniel Marshall - Feb 11, 2016

Tell me about when you decided to go “pro”. When did you decide to dedicate yourself to your art. Give us an example of what that meant to you. (What pushed your artwork from amateur level to professional?)

Finally realising I had to live my life as an “artist” is what pushed me from amateur to professional. I have been a professional tattoo artist and painter for almost 20 years but I was not “living” as an artist. In 2012 I became obsessed with painting in watercolor. Already an accomplished artist but my beginning attempts were less than amateur. I began living as an “artist “ at that point. Absorbed in studying artists I admired, art history of the periods of art that spoke to me, and keeping a constant sketchbook. What I mean by this is if I have a free moment, I am drawing from life in my sketchbook taking visual notes and training my eye to better see proportions and values. Every artist I have ever admired kept a daily sketchbook. When I started this habit my drawing and painting abilities grew by leaps and bounds. To become a professional artist, don't pretend to be an artist, Do the work! Act like an artist, always seeing, creating, utilising down time being creative instead of wasting it with the other distractions of modern life.

Please state which St Cuthberts Mill papers you use and why?

I use single sheets of St Cuthberts Mill Saunders Waterford Rough 300 g/m(140b) and Saunders Waterford rough 356 g/m(260lb) exclusively. The quality to others is beyond compare, this is truly an exquisite paper. There is a softness to the paper that other brands lack, allowing the pigment to mix wonderfully on the surface and ideal for wet on wet watercolour techniques. There is also no need to “stretch” this paper, the sizing does its job perfectly and paintings always dry flat.

How does the use of these papers enhance your work?  

Saunders Waterford paper allows me to work in the way that I want to work with absolutely no restrictions or inhibitions due to performance. EVERY sheet I’ve ever used has been consistent in its quality. When I pull out a new sheet and tape it to my board I know Exactly what to expect. High performance painting luxury!

'NYC Hustle' by Daniel Marshall
Watercolour on Saunders Waterford Rough paper

Is there an artist you admire, did they inspire you to be an artist yourself?

My first artistic inspiration was my Father. A pastor and very talented and creative. Of course John Singer Sergent, Sorolla, Whistler, George Bellows, Monet, Renoir, Sisley and Impressionists. Australian Tonalists Arthur Streeton. Current artists Joseph Zbukvic, Richard Schmid, Jeremy Mann, Casey Baugh, Robert Hernandez. I find inspiration in a variety of painters and all mediums. There is so much to learn from artists not only in your chosen medium.

Do you remember the first painting you did that you were really proud of?

The first painting I was really proud of was my first piece accepted into the American Watercolor Society’s annual exhibition a few years ago. It is titled North Fork Pumpkin Pickers. I was very careful in planning the composition and tones and everything came together just right.

What memorable responses have you had to your work?

I work painting outside en plein air almost everyday and meeting people first hand and hearing their comments while a work is in progress is always so motivating and inspiring to me. I have been working in watercolour a relatively short time and to be accepted and recognised by the artists I look up to is a all the response I need.

What are you working on right now?

I am currently working on a few different themes. Some figurative themes with Barbers, Vintage moto riders and racers. Cityscapes of New York City, beach and winery scenes of California and landscapes of Wyoming.

'Racer' by Daniel Marshall
Watercolour on Saunders Waterford Rough paper

What’s the one painting you’ve painted that you will always keep?

I won my first painting award in a juried show that was awarded by juror Stephen Quiller. The painting is “The Cows of Rhinebeck”. It is so meaningful to me to have been awarded by someone I admire so much. I have this painting hanging in my studio to as motivation to not be lazy and aim higher than you think possible.

What advice would you give to yourself, the artist you were 10 years ago?

Draw more! Sketch everything, all the time and don't be lazy! Same advice I try to use everyday.

Anything else you'd like to mention that I didn't ask?

Thanks again for inviting me to do this interview!

We'd like to thank Dan for doing this interview with us - To view more of Dan's amazing work head over to his website! 

http://www.danmarshallart.com/

For more info about Saunders Waterford paper:

 http://www.stcuthbertsmill.com/st-cuthberts-mill-paper/saunders-waterford-watercolour/