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VUE: What mediums do you prefer to work with, and why? GRANT: I primarily work with oil on canvas. I love the versatility of oil paints and the ability to mix colors directly on the canvas. e way oil dries slowly has shaped my style in a sort of happy accident. On the third or fourth day of painting, when the layers begin to dry, I use a palette knife to scrape into the underlying colors, creating textures that have become a signature element of my work. Recently, I've also started working with pottery alongside my girlfriend. We plan to paint Picasso-like figures on the sides of vases. is new medium offers a refreshing break from painting and helps reenergize my creativity. VUE: Could you walk us through your creative process from ideation to completion? Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into the creative zone? GRANT: Deciding what to paint can be one of the hardest parts of the process for me. I usually start with brainstorming ideas, oen browsing the internet for inspiration. Sometimes it's the subject that grabs me; other times, it's the colors used. Once I've chosen a subject, I give myself a little pep talk about stepping out of my comfort zone, then I dive into painting. If I'm working on nudes, I'll set up photoshoots with models and paint from those photographs. As I've moved more towards Western-themed art, I've had to adapt since cowboys and Native Americans are hard to find for photoshoots. Now, I create about 75% from imagination, occasionally referencing a photo for specific details like a nose or an eye. Physically, I like to clear my mind by working out, drinking a cup of coffee, and throwing on some headphones before I disappear into my work. VUENJ.COM 53

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