Dreamer by April Henderlong on Zatista.com

There is no shortage of high quality original art on Zatista. Behind each piece, there is an artist with a unique story. In this installment of Artist Glimpse, I had the pleasure to speak with Indiana artist, April Henderlong, who has been a Zatista member since 2010.

BS: Tell me a little about your background in the arts.
AH: I’ve been drawing since I could hold a pencil. Never a day in my life did I not know I wanted to be an artist. Upon graduating high school in Indiana, I immediately moved to downtown Chicago to attend the American Academy of Art. After my second year there, I transferred to the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, where I went on to receive a bachelors degree in traditional illustration. I’ve stuck to private sales and commissions. I draw because it makes my heart sing, and working for myself feels like the best way to tap into my individuality.

BS: Why do you like painting on wood?
AH: Wood grains are beautiful! There are so many different types of wood, all of which uniquely possess an organically delightful design. My companion is a carpenter. He cuts, sands, and brings me pieces he thinks I’d like. Since I started working with wood panels, I’ve been enamored with how I feel they add to what I draw or paint.

That Girl and Her Dog by April Henderlong

BS: What is the inspiration to keep you going?
AH: Everything above and under the sun is my inspiration to draw. I can’t think of anything that isn’t. I suppose existence is my ultimate inspiration, and ’til death do us part.

BS: Where do you see your work going next?
AH: My work has arrived at the point where it is, simply by my choice of letting it wander. I guess I’ll have to see where freedom takes my creative moods next.

Sincere by April Henderlong on Zatista.com

BS: What are your ideal working conditions?
AH: Solitude, along with hours of music, and/or alternative talk radio.

BS: How is business?
AH: I have zero complaints about business. I love being able to exhibit in galleries on the net. It gives the world a chance to see my work without me having to travel. Technology is really helping artists get their work out there, and business has been a blast!

Innocence by April Henderlong on Zatista.com

BS: What other art medium would you like to attempt or not attempt?
AH: Right now I’ve been using oils, acrylics, colored pencils, watercolors, and inks. It’s more likely that I’ll press forward with my favorites, rather than brush up on my Photoshopping skills.

Resonate by April Henderlong

BS: Do you have any advice for someone just getting started?
AH: Follow your heart!

Brian Sylvester is a guest blogger on WallSpin, and an artist on Zatista.

Related articles

• Mirrors in Art (zatista.com)
• Shadow Play in Art (zatista.com)
• Artist Glimpse – Tracy Burke (zatista.com)
• Cloudy With a Chance of Awesome (zatista.com)