Battlemouth

Most artists these days spread their work throughout multiple mediums, partially as a way to experiment and grow, and partially as a way to broaden the spectrum of clientele. This next artist is no stranger to the demands of a multi-faceted career. From web comics, to custom toys, to brilliant illustrations, to multi media design, N.C. Winters is truly a renaissance man in the truest sense of the word. I first discovered Mr. Winters through the same outlet I discover most of my new artists…twitter! I have decided that if you don’t think twitter is great, you are either to scared to try it, or not worth talking to….I know, I am elitist like that.
Anyways, I was lurking a certain artists friends on twitter, looking for new folks to follow, when I stumbled across a beautiful avatar. I clicked on the name and scoped a few old tweets, and then discovered a twitpic of a “doodle”. As an artistically challenged individual, when someone says something like “here is a little doodle I did”…and it looks like Starry Nights by Van Gogh…I get a wee impressed (read as jealous). Winters didn’t doodle Starry Nights, however it was an absolutely incredible drawing that became the background for my computer for quite some time. I was an immediate fan.

After that, it was only a matter of searching before I discovered the real, more incredible pieces by N.C. Winters. While N.C.’s earlier work was primarily water color (and beautiful as well) his recent uses of acrylic paint leaves his pieces looking like they are made from something completely different. They are truly incredible To me, a laymen when it comes to the technical aspects of art, acrylic paint appears to give an image a more crisp look. Perhaps it is the material, but I think more than likely it is the talent exuding from the hands of N.C. Winters. There is not one piece he has done that I think is less than spectacular. His ability to switch from the abstract, to the realistic is absolutely unfathomable for one who can barely doodle a tree. Beyond a shadow of a doubt this artist is going places, and I can’t wait to see him get there! If you want to see where he started from and more evidence of where he is headed, click here. Like I mentioned before, In addition to his paintings and custom work, N.C. also draws a few very funny web comics, including MacTastik, a comic devoted to the cult of Mac users. It is quite good, check it out! So now that I have blathered on like a child at Disney Land…here is the interview with the incredibly talented N.C. Winters!

Aaronthestrong- Who is N.C. Winters?

N.C. Winters- Me! I am. I’ve been drawing since I can remember, and have been trying to make a living as a painter the past few years. I’m spread out over a variety of genres, and have a hard time focusing my skills on one particular medium. I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, and my wife is originally from El Paso Texas. We moved to NYC a few years ago, and after some fun times working in Manhattan, have relocated to sunny Southern California. We’ll call Carlsbad our home for awhile, we missed the sun so much. I focus on the figure, and lately mostly the female figure, in my works, and am currently taking a whack at acrylic painting. Most recently I’ve moved back to paper mounted on wood, after a brief stint painting directly on wood. I’m most comfortable with pen and ink on paper, and I am finding I should go with what’s comfortable, as my newborn son (3 months) has helped me focus my time and energy a little more efficiently. I’m rambling. Next question!

ATS- Webcomics, custom toys, paintings, illustrations, design your work spans such a broad array of style. As a huge comic book nerd I feel it nescesary to first ask…why have I not scene your name attatched to any comic books yet? If you could pick a comic book to draw for which would it be (assuming you read comic books that is)?

NC- It’s so weird, I get the comic book association all the time, though randomly, I don’t actively read or collect comics. I used to love the covers, but once I opened up the books, I was disappointed that the interior art never matched the cover, and it was a huge letdown. I like a lot of art that is ink-based, with a heavy focus on outline. This is portrayed in my art, and has drawn connections to comic books, tattoo work and animation. I’d love to someday do a graphic novel, but in my own way- fully colored all the way through. In this regard I’m more of a fan of comic artists such as Dave McKean, David Mack and Ashley Wood, but again, mainly through the web. My comic collection is sadly almost non-existent. Another of my few faves in the comic world is on the other side of the spectrum, the comic work of Rob Schrab and Scud: The Disposable Assassin. I found this gem awhile back and loved the humor, the wild ink work and the stylization. Does that answer the question? Probably not.

ATS- Haha, completely understandable! You seem to focus mainly on the use of acrylic paints. Could you enlighten us on why you choose acrylics vs. say water based paints for example?

NC- Acrylics are the latest obsession after years in watercolor. The progression is natural, as I’m able to thin the paints with water and glaze in much the same way I used to watercolor. The recent switch back to working on paper again only helps this further. The hardest part is that while I did study art in college, I feel like I never learned any proper ways to paint. This isn’t a reflection on the teachers I had, more that I wasn’t in the mindset of painting at the time, and none of the lessons stuck. Because of this, I feel like I’m still very much learning how to paint. Every week is a new discovery, and as I get more and more comfortable, I’m able to make new discoveries that every other painter probably started out with. I want to get into oils, as I keep hearing that my style would lend itself well to the medium, but I’d again be starting from scratch and I just haven’t had the time.

ATS- When not painting or taking care of the family (congratulations on the new baby boy by the way!), what do you like to spend your time doing?

NC- I feel like I work nonstop, and yet get nothing done ever at the same time. In my few off moments, I watch a few TV shows regularly and am a bit of a video game junkie. Sadly, it seems every time I can get a spare moment, I just want to dive back into the studio to work on a number of projects I’m behind on, or try new techniques or new paintings I’ve had knocking around in my head. I’m also a huge art nerd and am constantly on the web looking at new art and finding new artists. Twitter has been an amazing tool in this capacity.

ATS- If you could collaborate with any artist, be it customizing one of their toys or actually creating a piece together, who would it be?

NC- Oh man, there are so many collaborations I’ve wanted to do, but no one ever seems to have the time! A few of my recent collab faves would include David McDowell, Aaron Jasinski, Dan May and Joshua Clay. I’ve been able to meet and chat with a few through Twitter. As far as toys, I shouldn’t say, because I’m behind on one or two as it is!

ATS- Why do you make art?

NC- The million dollar question. This is always a tough one, because it’s both something I ask myself often as well as something that I take for granted, much like “Why do you think?”. It’s not something I could choose not to do, as it is just wrapped up in who I am, often to a fault. This always sounds lame, and it doesn’t define my life, but in a way, it kinda sorta does. I can’t imagine a time ever not making art, maybe just not having enough time to make as much as I’d like. I’ve always though that if I was rich, I would actually work twice as much, as the money would free up so much time wasted on working to pay bills. I’ll keep doing it until I physically can’t anymore. Man, that just sounds so lame! At the same time, I get frustrated with people who use making art as some noble badge, and then I’m critically aware of the hypocrisy. I love to do it, but it doesn’t elevate me to some higher state in life. I was in the art store the other day and I caught myself getting angry at someone who was obviously getting into art for the first time and was strutting around like it made her a better person for channeling the Muses of Creativity. That makes me a total ass doesn’t it? Probably.

ATS- Did you get any feedback from your SMart piece from Kevin Smith or Mosier?

NC- A bit. I got to chat with Smith and Mosier briefly about it and they both seemed to enjoy the piece. I liked the fact that Scott enjoyed the tender moment portrayed between him and Smith in the painting. Other than that, not too much. Neither of them bought the piece, so I don’t think either absolutely fell in love with it.

ATS- What can we expect next from N.C. Winters?

NC- Well, there are a few group art shows coming up as well as a feature slot in October at Subtext Gallery in downtown San Diego. I have a print release coming out soon through Gallery 1988LA for my piece “I am Jack’s Broken Heart”. Also, my comic strip Freelance Freedom is in development for book publication, but it’s still pretty early in the process. Other than that, I’ll keep drawing, making comics and painting away and try to figure out what I want to do when I grow up. Thanks for the interview!

Thanks for taking part N.C.! As always it is a pleasure, you are a scholar and a gentleman and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. For our readers that have now also become Winters fans, be sure to follow @NCWinters for all the latest news as well as webcomic episode releases! And as always I am @Aaronthstrong feel free to drop me a line and let me know what you think of the series, or if you would like to request a place in a future Indie Artist series email Aaron@battlemouth.com
Thanks and Stay Tuned For More Indie Artists!