Conversations with Matt Starr

Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Starr

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have been an artist since starting as a young boy with drawings and watercolor paintings. Later I branched out with acrylics. I paint subjects that inspire me including wildlife, birds, fish, landscapes, sunsets, seascapes, barns, flowers and more. I also paint on milk cans, saws and bowling pins. My largest painting was a three story tall banner for a haunted house. I painted a large Royals logo in my yard that made the news during the Royals world series. I carve and paint life size “fish decoys” from wood. My bobwhite quail painting was selected in a special Wingspan Fan Art Pack of game cards. I published a book with all 50 of my state birds and flowers paintings called “Wings and Blossoms Across America.”

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I have done a few oil paintings but I work better with acrylics.

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?
I specialize in wildlife, birds, fish, landscapes, seascapes, barns, and flowers. I grew up going to my Grandparents farm quite often. I do paintings of farm scenes, barns, landscapes and animals from those memories that inspired me. I take my watercolors on vacations and trips. Then I painted during my trips what inspires me along the way. I have done a series of Florida watercolor paintings for a few years. I love watching wildlife and birds, which I find great inspiration in painting. Many of my paintings have a story, from the person I am painting for or what happened in my journey to get inspired. I did some paintings of a few state birds and flowers. I loved studying each state and was inspired to paint all 50 in one year. I loved the state birds and flowers paintings and found a great way to share all with my family was to publish my own book of all 50 paintings.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I was greatly inspired to paint birds from my studies of John James Audubon as a boy. I used to do paintings that would take many months to finish. I read a book called Daily Painting that inspired me to do more small and quicker paintings. It has helped me be more creative, productive and successful. I love studying field guides and animal studies as my inspirations.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mstarr57.wixsite.com/mattstarrfineart
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattstarrfineart
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mattstarrfineart/
• Other: Redbubble: https://www.redbubble.com/people/MattStarr