Today we’d like to introduce you to O’Don McClaine III.
Hi O’Don, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
For as far back as I could remember, I’ve wanted to be an artist. As a child my grandmother encouraged me to draw to occupy myself. The first things that I learned how to draw were horses. I loved Cowboys and horses and I was always drawing. I never really thought I had a gift for art until my 3rd grade teacher Ms.Moats; told me I exceptional talent. This was a catalyst for me continuing to learn and improve my skills. Growing up in Des Moines, Iowa raised my grandmother I was an introvert. Always retreating to art. Creating art has always been an escape for me. With all the unkind things in society we encounter daily. Art has always been a friend to me. With each piece I composed I wanted to tell stories with the pictures I created. Very seldom do I title my paintings, I would like the viewers to take their own journey as they engage with my work. Although, I was accepted into an art program with Drake University, I wasn’t able to attend. Sometimes life happens, my grandmother passed away and I had to move to Wichita, Kansas.
Shortly after graduating Highschool I went to fight the war in Vietnam. When I returned I made a great living painting portraits, but eventually I got burned out of living off of others vanity. By vanity I mean people wanting painting of themselves. Although I am self taught I would like to give credit to my dear friend Ron Willee from Wichita Kansas. I met him before I went to Vietnam. He actually lived on the same block as me. He was an amazing artist, a local dj and an art student at Wichita State University. From Willee, I learned how to hand stretch and gesso my canvas. There was also a neighborhood gallery, where people could come an do art. Very talented artists in that Era. I also studied many art books. Moving to Texas in the late 80s this place has really embraced me as an artist. I am fortunate and extremely grateful that in my autumn years of life others appreciate my art. I’ve been invited to several art shows including Chocolate and Art show in Dallas. I truly felt like I found my Tribe, people uniquely gifted like myself. People who felt the heart and soul I’ve put into my paintings. I’ve also been interviewed by other magazines such as Black Texas and now Voyager. This is been truly a blessing for me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As a young artist in the late 60s early 70s, I encountered racism. In Kansas there was a place called Gallery G. I brought some of paintings in the show the curator. She looked at my work and instantly got angry. Her face beet red and words spewed out of her mouth accusing me of stealing someone else’s work. She was so prejudice that she believed I painted over the Orginal artist’s name. Other obstacles I’ve encountered have been the lifestyle itself. It’s such a competitive world in art, It can be hard to break through. Also some clients want to pay pennies on the dollar. For example a portrait commission but the client expects to squeeze an entire family in a small canvas. Now I just paint for God because he didn’t judge he just guides my hand.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I consider myself a visionary artist Political statements, fantasy, religious inspired. I also accept commissions and the subject matter can be discussed with the client.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
My mission has always been to be seen. For other creatives both young and old to know there is someone out in this world you can relate with. Not everyone is meant ti be an athlete and many times artists are overlooked. Stay resilient and confident in your abilities.
Contact Info:
- Email: bosscreations48@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bosscreations48
- Business Manager: Donélle McClaine – dpatryce@gmail.com
