After close to four decades in law enforcement Tom Mattioli retired. Now he operates vacation rentals in Ashford, Washington, and spends his free time capturing the beauty of Rainier on canvas. Recently we caught up with Tom to learn more about his artwork.
From a badge to a brush on canvas: how did you become an artist?
In my law enforcement career, I saw many challenging and profound faces of humanity. Time spent with a canvas helps me live in the now. Painting is an opportunity to slow down and be mindful. I started reverse painting in the 1990s on windows removed from old Victorian homes.
Painting on window glass?
Yes, I loved how smoothly the paint flowed across the glass as I painted. I liked the surprise I received after painting on one side of the glass and then turning it over to see the composition and how the light affected the brush strokes. Through experimentation, I painted on different surfaces. I found I enjoy heavily textured mediums on canvas. By observing the canvas with texture spread randomly over its surface, I could see what is hidden in the pattern of the texture.
What’s your approach to painting?
As a self-taught artist, my impressionistic, loose-style oil and acrylic paintings attempt to place feeling over form. I want my art to evoke a feeling within the viewer.
What inspires you?
My love for hiking, the mountain, the faces of people I see along the trails, and the emotions I have felt. You can find so much inspiration in nature.
Do you have any words of encouragement for an aspiring artist?
Believe the statement, everyone is an artist. Whether you paint, garden, or are a carpenter, everyone can be creative and thus is an artist. Set aside time to create.
To learn more about Tom’s vacation rental in Ashford, Washington please click here.
