Tales From the Art Side: Jerrod Brown

Created on Wednesday, 08 September 2010 19:09

Last Updated on Saturday, 03 March 2012 21:51

Written by Mr. Chainsaw

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Presented by JenniFear

Jerrod Brown is known quite well by regulars of Orlando, FL's, Spooky Empire Ultimate Horror Weekend. As a consistent presence year after year, Jerrod has built himself quite the following among art fans and collectors and established himself as one of the better known painters on the horror convention circuit.

Jenni Fear: Is painting something that you've always liked to do?

Jerrod Brown: As far back as I can remember, I was drawing and painting in some form or fashion. I worked as an artist in the Theme Park Scenic Industry for many years.

JF: How did you get into the business of horror art?

JB: I've been a fan of all things Horror since I was a kid.  I grew up admiring the paintings of Basil Gogos (Artist of 'Famous Monsters of Filmland' magazine covers in the 60's and 70's). I had the wonderful honor of meeting and talking with him at length in 2007.  After that discussion, he inspired me to make a go of what I really love.  A year later in 2008 I was laid off from the Theme Park Scenic Industry, so really, I've only been painting the Horror genre for a little over two years.

JF: Which do you prefer to paint with, Acrylics, Oils or Watercolors and why?

JB: I've worked in many different mediums and have painted on lots of various elements. My paint of choice is Acrylic on Canvas.  I'm a big advocate of traditional style painting.

JF: Do you draw your work before you paint, or do the images just come to you?

JB: I first paint in my base background colors. Then I'll sketch in my background elements and paint them in. From there, I sketch in my main forground elements and paint them in last. All between drying times of course. Sometimes it depends on the piece and how I need to approach it. I'm not an airbrush artist per se, but I use airbrush to highlight or accent the final paintings.

JF: What is your favorite canvas size to paint on and why?

JB: Every artist develops their own comfort level.  My favorite size canvas is 24" x 30" or larger.  I met and talked with Fantasy Artists Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell last year.  I was always under the impression that their paintings were relatively large. They showed me the latest pieces they were working on and I was surprised at how small their boards actually were.

JF: Some people say that painting helps them relax, is this true for you?

JB: Yes, it's very therapeutic for me.  I paint every chance I get.  I really hate mainstream TV, so I'd much rather be diving into a canvas than wasting my time sitting in front of a s**t box. Plus, I have something to show for my time.

JF: Your tag line is "REAL Paint on REAL Canvas with REAL Brushes", can you explain?

JB: More and more artists are relying on digital means these days with software colors and a mouse or Wacom pen taking place of palette and brush.  The machine takes over and does most of the work and self reliance is becoming less and less. If you go into a bookstore and look at all the covers, 90% or more are done in digital style and you couldn't tell me the artist who painted it because they all look alike . Some even go as far as digitally manipulating existing photos and calling them their paintings.  If I see something hand painted, there's a good chance I can tell you who painted it by recognizing their style. This makes the individual and their masterpiece unique and sets them apart from others. Frank Frazetta, Boris Vallejo, Julie Bell, Ken Kelly, Michael Whelan, Hildebrandt Brothers, etc. (the list goes on) never use digital. Frank Frazetta once said, "If you're an artist pick up a palette, brush and paint, don't allow technology to hold your hand". I live by those words. Don't get me wrong, I own a Wacom board myself, and it has it's purpose.  But, I'd rather have a uniquely crafted piece of art in my hands that my customers can actually see the brushstrokes, feel the layers of textures, even smell the paints. It has so many levels of labor and aspects going on other than just the portrait, as opposed to nothing more than a digitally printed image.

JF: You currently do the cover art for Sonar4 Publications, tell me about this process, is it different from your everyday artwork?

JB: S4P sends me the title of their upcoming book, or a little bit about the story line. From there I do several sketches and try to come up with an idea that reflects what the book is about.  It's a lot of fun and sometimes a challenge coming up with just the right scene.  Sometimes I'm inspired by other artists that I love or horror scenes that I remember from my past ideas. Frazetta also said "Your book cover art has to stand out from everything else on the shelf. Always keep in mind that if your art draws the viewers eye from across the room, they'll always reach for your art work and not the one sitting next to it." I try to live up to those words... hopefully it's working (ha, ha).

JF: Are you going to be making any appearances in the upcoming months?

JB: I'm open for any appearance requests for Conventions, Galleries, Clubs, etc. all year long. I'm confirmed for the following events:

-  Spooky Empire's 'Ultimate Horror Weekend 20010' - October 8-10  Orlando, FL. - http://www.spookyempire.com

-  Cult Fiction Drive-In's 'Underground Film and Cult Cinema Convention' - May 20-22, 2011 Jacksonville, FL. - http://www.CultFictionDriveIn.com

I'll also be at other shows throughout the year that are not currently confirmed.

JF: Where can readers see some of your artwork?  Can they buy your artwork online? And if so where?

JB: Absolutely.  All of my work is for sale.  I sell original existing pieces,as well as prints and commission requests are always welcome.  You can write to me through Myspace or Facebook, or e-mail me directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Also:

Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/jerrodbrown

Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/HorrorArtist

Cafepress
http://www.cafepress.com/jerrodbrown

Morbidly Yours,

Jenni Fear