Daily Inspiration: Meet Chad Creasy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chad Creasy.

Hi Chad, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have been interested in art and music since I was a child. I studied painting at the Atlanta College of Art, where I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. After college, I continued my studies through public art classes, focusing primarily on figure painting. For more than a decade, I have intensely explored and experimented with oil painting in my personal studio.
I am a survivor of many things. Throughout my recovery, I have learned skills and practices that help keep me moving forward. One of the studies that brought me the greatest sense of peace was Buddhism. It taught me that nothing is permanent and that learning to live in the present moment is essential to finding happiness.
Painting brings me into that present moment the same way meditation does. However, in my opinion, painting is more fun and it produces the same sense of peace and presence. Painting is not simply a hobby or a job. It is something much deeper. For me, painting is survival.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s not easy being Creasy! When I’m not working one of my day jobs, exercising, or parenting, I keep myself on a meticulous scheduled to stay productive with my art. I set aside specific days to paint and make sure I have time dedicated to the studio. If I don’t stay busy, I self destruct. I lose sight of the present moment, and anxiety begins to take over. Discipline is essential.
I can relate to Van Gogh. When asked why he painted, he reportedly said, “I paint so I don’t think.” I totally get that. I paint for the same reason. Painting gives my mind somewhere to go and keeps me grounded in the moment.
Over the past decade, I have completed more than 100 paintings. Each one represents not only time spent developing my craft, but also another opportunity to stay present, keep moving forward, and find peace through the act of painting.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I only paint with oils, and my work explores a wide variety of subject matter. I don’t like to paint the same thing over and over again. My paintings of peacocks and sharks have received the most recognition, but I also create surrealist works that allow me to explore and express abstract ideas. Much of my work uses symbolic imagery to communicate moods and emotions. At other times, I enjoy painting realistic portraits of people I know.
What sets my work apart is my unique style. It wasn’t something I deliberately designed; it developed organically through the way I paint. Unlike the way I dress, (I only wear black), I love working with vibrant colors. My paintings are never rushed. I take the time to explore even the smallest details. Some paintings can take a year or more to complete.
Because of this, I usually have two paintings in progress at the same time. One is a larger, more ambitious piece that I work on gradually over many sessions. The other is typically smaller and can be completed in a few hours. This allows me to balance patience and precision with the immediate satisfaction of finishing a painting.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Like most artists, I have a day job. I have worked as a Senior Animator and Graphic Artist for TCSG for more than 20 years, creating 3D animations and educational content for the manufacturing industry. On weekends, I share my passion for painting by teaching oil painting classes at the Spruill Center for the Arts.
Music is another lifelong passion of mine. I play drums, bass, and guitar, and in the 1990s, I was the lead vocalist and for several bands. Creativity has always been a constant part of my life, whether I’m painting, making animations, or writing music.
Today, my life is shared with my wife and two children, whom I love more than anything. I don’t take much time off, but I prefer to stay busy. I genuinely love what I do. Creativity isn’t something I turn on when I enter the studio, it’s simply part of who I am.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://chadcreasy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paintgoodwithchad/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paintgoodwithchad
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PaintGoodwithChad