- Artist Andrew Butler with his furry muse, Vegas.
Andrew Butler’s art is extraordinarily vibrant and fascinating, but would you believe that his biggest artistic inspiration is his dog?? That’s right! Dogs are often muses for artists (remember Picasso and his dog Lump)! Andrew’s English Springer Spaniel furry sidekick is named Vegas, and in this instance what happens in Vegas ends up on the canvas.
Butler derives true inspiration for his artistry from Vegas. He offers his paintings as a vehicle to move away from the human daily angst, and escape towards a world more natural and beautiful. Butler likes to describe his paintings as “bombarding” the observer with several different textures in color, but cohesively coming together to form one beautiful work of art, that is relaxing and complete.
He wishes to subject the viewer to “brilliant intensity and a range of various hues and tones that create an ethereal sense of calm serenity among chaotic waves of energetic movement.” Vegas’ presence certainly provides the animal backdrop for Butler to create these beautiful pieces; and we are reminded that dogs are stress relievers and companions, that tender spiritual insight and great works of art.
Besides being a fabulous artist, Butler is also a veteran of the US Air Force and enlisted one month after 9-11, receiving an honorable discharge with awards.
Andrew Butler painted the perfect environment for Animal Fair Media to sit down with him for a closer look.
AF: What inspired you to become an artist?
AB: I was inspire growing up in a family where music and the arts were greatly encouraged along with athletics and other interests. Seeing films about different painters, visiting galleries and museums, and also recognizing the inherent beauty and design found in nature all around us.
AF: Why did you name your dog Vegas?
AB: Vegas is an English Springer Spaniel named after the city of Las Vegas, where I got married in 2007!
AF: If your dog was a famous artist who would she be?
AB: Wassily Kandinsky, who really incorporated music into his art, and fits her personality perfectly because Vegas absolutely loves to listen as I play guitar. Appearance wise, she is more like Salvador Dali later in his life, when he had long hair.
AF: Explain how Vegas inspires your artwork?
AB: She not only helps me relieve stress, but she also reminds me to not think like a human, and to let my “animal” senses take over, and approach the paintings for what they are, nature expressing itself.
AF: How would you describe your creative work?
AB: I believe that color can express form in a very direct and impacting way, and through a multitude of layers and textures I am striving to bombard the viewer’s senses in a positive way, with brilliant intensity and a range of various hues and tones. This sensibility creates an ethereal sense of calm serenity among chaotic waves of energetic movement.
Andrew Butler and his faithful Vegas find art a natural treat!
To view Andrew Butler’s artwork visit his Facebook page: www.facebook.com/andrewbutlerart or on his website http://www.andrewbutlerart.com!
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