Today we’d like to introduce you to Hermon L. Woodall.
Hi Hermon L., thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Artist Hermon L. Woodall being naturally gifted by the Most High was born May 11, 1954 in Flint, Michigan. I have been married to my beautiful wife April Calhoun-Woodall for 31 years. To this union, three children were born Caleb, Joshua, and Rose with one special grandson, Gianni Woodall. At a young age, I had an interest in drawing and painting on anything, including my mother’s walls. I could spend hours and hours along just drawing and painting, working on perfecting my gift. I was told by my art teacher that I put so much into one painting it could make several paints out of the one. My interest is the composition and details of my work. In my earlier drawings, they were more surreal more like Salvador Dali; surprisingly to me, we were born on the same day, and our works were similar. At that time, people thought my paintings were strange. or a little different. I now consider myself a Universal Artist being that I embrace the beauty of God‘s Creation, which inspires me to reflect God‘s Goodness through my artwork. for he is the Master Creator. Therefore, my subject matter varies from surrealism, abstract, wildlife, flowers, and much more. My medium of choice is oil on canvas. I would like to say Welcome to My World Woodall’s Fine Art. Contact Info 678.457.2666 Hermon L. Woodall’s art is on display at Deja Vu Home Furnishings 105 Glendalough Ct Tyrone, Georgia 30290
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Entering the Art Market in the Atlanta area has had its challenges. In the 90s in Atlanta, the sell of so-called “Black Art” was hot and robust. People began selling on street corners. Various wholesalers in the Mapleton area began commissioning artists to paint for them doing their best to keep up with demand. If a piece of work was a hot seller, a wholesaler would commission another artist to paint something similar, hoping to cash in on the profits. So some of my work was being copied. I didn’t worry about that cause Thee Most High saw to it that it didn’t sell as well as mine. At that time, I was making a decent living off just painting for wholesalers. However, my wife and I didn’t like the fact that I was getting paid an upfront commission fee and had no control over the printing rights nor wasn’t receiving any royalties. So not only was artists copying ideas but wholesalers were caught reprinting print reproductions without permission. Once this robust industry reached its peak, sells declined, and wholesale galleries starting to close. Fortunately, I was free to begin painting what I wanted to paint and not what I was commissioned to do. I was told by an artist that I wasn’t a so-called “Black Artist” because my interest wasn’t just black images. Yes, I am uniquely different, and that is why I call myself a Universal Artist. My interest now is to sell Originals and Limited Edition Giclee Canvas Prints only.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In my professional life, I was a CDL driver for Pat Solomon and Sons delivering postal packages for 20+ years. How bout that a CDL driver and Artist? I would be over the road and maybe had two days to paint before it was time to go again. I thank God those days are over. Now I still wake up early, have my prayer time, and go to work painting a masterpiece. I find peace and satisfaction in completing my work. I am diligent and consistent, nothing wavering, keeping the faith running my race with patience. This is what sets me apart, and I am grateful for that.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
It is always good to watch and learn from others studying their various techniques. Naturally, one would develop their own style or gravitate to what interests them most. Visiting galleries keeps you motivated and inspired and buying books dealing with art will help develop ones skills. I was pretty much self-taught. The computer age has opened many doors of opportunities to be self-taught as well as doing business transactions. I post on Instagram and sometimes look at other artists. TikTok also have an array of artists demonstrating their talents that one can learn from as well. Although the computer is useful in marketing and selling business, I am still working on mastering this. As for networking, getting out mingling at art galleries and community functions as well as following the right people and organizations on social media helps to develop lasting relationships with mentors or mentees. This is my best advice for upcoming artists entrepreneurs.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Woodallsfineart_
- Facebook: Woodallsfineart
Image Credits
Hermon L. Woodall
