ArtisanHD has partnered with Sebastian Michaels (known for publications such as Living the Photo Artistic Life and Quill and Camera, and his popular Photoshop Artistry courses), to create an online gallery of custom art prints. Each work of art we showcase is a reflection of the artist’s life and vision, and is as unique as the artist.
The expert printing team at ArtisanHD has long been known for supporting extraordinary artists, that’s why we’ve decided to do an occasional highlight of artists so you can take a look at the diversity of work online.
Our first featured artist, Charlie O’Brien
“Charlie is a Windsor, Ontario native who has just retired from a long, successful career as a radio broadcaster. Charlie’s first interest in photography happened at an early age when he discovered his father’s photo enlarger, developing chemicals and mixing trays. Now the digital darkroom is his domain… In recent years digital photo montages, photo manipulations, watercolor, and oil treatments of his photos have highlighted his art.”
An Interview with Charlie
How did you get started as a visual/digital artist?
As a program director in radio, the web design duties sort of fell to me as I had some Photoshop experience. That gave me a place to use Photoshop and Illustrator for web graphic updates, promo pieces, and newspaper and magazine ads for the station. I really do enjoy the typographic aspect of design.
You describe yourself as a photographer. How has this skill helped you on your path to being a digital artist?
I’m a lifetime photographer. My dad worked as a young man in a photo store and it wasn’t long before my brother and I discovered his film enlarger and leftover chemicals. We built a makeshift darkroom in my mom’s cold cellar. Taking pictures and seeing visually is in my DNA I guess. Seeing visually and taking a picture without a camera is a great skill to develop.
Custom Fine Art Prints
What/Who is your biggest inspiration?
People and faces inspire me – everyone is different. Everyone has a story to tell. I am a big fan of the Impressionists like Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir.
What is your favorite project/piece of art that you’ve worked on?
I photographed major rock concerts for about 6 years. Recently I did series of about 12 Artist Performance pieces from photos I had taken.
Another fun series was based on a recent visit to Cuba. I love the people there and the cars!!
Thanks so much for letting us learn a little bit more about you, Charlie!
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