SurfPaints Interview Series
Meet John, a pioneering artist who transforms wildlife and everyday items into vibrant masterpieces with Surfpaints. From surfboards to unique coconut art, he shares his journey from traditional brushwork to the convenience and creativity of paint pens.
We hand-select individuals from our community to hear the stories behind their designs.
Hi John, Welcome to the Surfpaints Interview Series!
1. Can you provide us with a brief background on your journey as an artist and tell us what you're currently working on in the world of art?
I've been painting for 30 years, and art has been my primary source of income for the past 12 years or so. Currently, I'm working on painting wildlife on white goods, with three commissions already secured: two surfboards and a mural in a local shop. Additionally, I'm fulfilling custom coconut orders and other smaller commissions, including painting on furniture.
2. We'd love to know how you came across Surfpaints. What aspects of Surfpaints do you find most appealing or inspiring for your art?
I came across Surfpaints on Facebook, and after initially buying the primary kit apprehensively, I was amazed at how far paint pens had come. I had given up on them years ago. One of the most appealing aspects for me was that I could achieve similar results and effects as I do with my brushes but with the added control of a pen nib.
I came across Surfpaints on Facebook, and after initially buying the primary kit apprehensively, I was amazed at how far paint pens had come. I had given up on them years ago. One of the most appealing aspects for me was that I could achieve similar results and effects as I do with my brushes but with the added control of a pen nib.
3. Every artist faces unique challenges in their projects. Could you share specific challenges you've encountered in your art projects and how SurfPaints have been a helpful resource in overcoming these challenges?
Some of the day-to-day challenges I face as an artist include tedious setups and cleanups. Currently, without transportation, carrying big, bulky paint tubs, brushes, palettes, water containers, and so on is a significant issue. However, with Surfpaints, this morning, I grabbed my compact Surfpaint case stocked with the full range (x2), hopped on the bus without any fuss, and went straight to my job. There was no need for setup or cleanup—it's so much more convenient.
4. Your painting projects are all unique and have captured our attention. Could you share with us your most favourite project and how you came up with the idea?
My favourite project of late has to be my coconuts. As much as I enjoy painting fine art at home and love creating killer murals, I'm particularly fond of being able to sit on my couch, coconut in one hand and a surf pen in the other. It's enjoyable, relaxing, and the results are amazing. I started painting nuts and placing them around the island for people to find and keep, and everyone loved it. So, I decided to start a Facebook group called 'Magnetic Island Coconuts,' which became very popular. To keep up with demand and to pay for paint, I started a market stall. I sell awesome artwork on nuts for $20 each and also offer custom nuts to order. Additionally, I try to put out 20 free nuts around the island each week, getting the community involved by placing the nuts, etc.
5. As an experienced artist, do you have any valuable tips or techniques that you could share with others interested in creating painting projects with SurfPaints?
Don't be scared to use your fingers as blending tools. Surfpaints are great; the colours blend and fuse together beautifully when using your fingers to blend them, achieving amazing results.
Join John's Magnetic Island Coconuts Facebook group and see how he put smiles on people's faces by painting up coconuts and placing them around the island for anyone to find and keep.
If you would like to be part of Surfpaints Interview Series, email us at support@surfpaints.com