Behind The Easel

A conversation with AGGG artist, Dale Cochran 

Q: Tell us about your path into art?
A: My earliest memories as a child… I was drawing. Other family members involved in the arts influenced me, and I was encouraged by my parents. We were on a tight budget, but they made sure art materials were available. My father worked in textiles and moonlighted as a sign painter. He loved art and began taking mail-order “art lessons” when I was eight years old. My early training was sitting on the floor beside his drawing board, copying drawings from his art course books.

Q: How does your background impact your work?
A: I grew up in Six Mile, a small town about thirty miles from Greenville, SC. I was free to roam the woods and farmlands. My grandfather farmed 70 acres not far from our house where I spent many days on the farm. The simplicity of the farm, fresh plowed fields, exploring the creeks and woods was a gift. Those experiences made me more aware of simple items and their underlying stories and have always been the core inspiration for my work.

Q: What is your favorite medium(s) and sources of inspiration?
A: I have explored various mediums, such as pen & ink, pastels, oils, acrylics, and egg tempera. My primary mediums are watercolor, graphite, and charcoal. As for my inspiration, I am drawn to the ordinary and the unique beauty in what might seem plain.

Q: How has your artistic style evolved?
A: When you hear “artistic style”, you think about the visual. It is more than that. On the surface, my work has always been representational. When I was young, I was more interested in how “real” my subject looked. My technical abilities, understanding of color, light, values, composition, improved by putting in the work. As I matured, my thoughts and emotions about my subject became more important and impacted my artistic style. It continues to evolve with each piece.

Q: What story or emotion do you want to convey through your artwork?
A: As I mentioned earlier, I am drawn to what might seem ordinary on the surface but has the power of discovery and nostalgia when you go deeper. We all have felt the rush of an “a-ha” moment. I strive to share my thoughts and feelings through the objects I depict to bring the stories and spirits beyond the ordinary.

Q: Who are your artistic influences?
A: There have been so many. My Dad’s art lesson books, artistic family members, comic books, and Disney movies were my early influences. Once I reached high school art classes, I was introduced to the Masters. Van Gogh was my favorite. My college years added Norman Rockwell, Paul Calle, Robert Bateman, Vermeer, and Richard Schmid. As a professional illustrator, Mort Ducker, Jack Davis and Frazetta were top on my list. As a professional watercolor artist, Winslow Homer, Alex Powers and Andrew Wyeth.

Q: What art instruction or practice helped you become a better artist?
A: Number one on the list is KEEP CREATING! Other practices that I feel have been beneficial to me have been: Finding educational opportunities that addressed my interest and direction (online, a class or workshops); Spending time with other artists; Putting my work out and be open to critique (entering juried shows, structured critique).

Q: What are your biggest challenges as an artist?
A: Different stages of an artistic career has it’s unique challenges. Time management, wearing multiple hats, budget, pricing, marketing, and life.
Creatively, I have found that the artist often creates their own challenges, and most of the time it is mental. Self-doubt and market pressure can destroy passion. Self-imposed expectations for an artwork can put you into creative paralysis. My advice: don’t put a frame on it and hang it on the wall before you start. Give yourself the freedom to explore. You’re not “making mistakes”; you’re learning.

Q: What other interests do you have beyond your art?
A: I enjoy spending time with my family. We are blessed that they are local, and we spend time with our Grandkids weekly. I enjoy horticulture and being outdoors. I bring the love of growing plants inside and underwater with a planted aquarium.

Q: What would you like for people to know about AGGG?
A: The gallery is more than a place to exhibit my work; it’s a family of supportive artists. AGGG goes beyond its member artists and fosters creativity and connection with the community and local artists. The Guest Artists program, the Greenville County Art Teachers exhibition, special fundraising events, demos, and workshops are just a few examples.