David McGee - American Realist Painter

David McGee
United States, Ohio

Mediums: Graphite, pastel, colored pencil, oil, acrylic

Style: realist

Favorite Quote: "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, expecting a different outcome"

Favorite Book: Early History

Favorite Movie: Last of the Mohegans

Please tell us about your first experience creating.

My first experiencing creating was at an early age. I was about ten years old and started tracing my father's drawing of a race car until I could draw it from memory.


What music do you like to have playing while creating art?

I like to play 1980's rock in my studio as I work.


If you have a job besides being an artist, can you tell us about it?

I am a disabled veteran of the United States Marine Corps. I attained the rank of Sargent. I use my art as a form of self therapy for PTSD and pain.

What are you trying to convey to viewers through your art?

What I try to convey through my art depends on what my subject is. If its an antique car, I try to convey beauty. If its a historical subject, I try to convey education of our history. If its a military subject I try to convey sacrifice, bravery.


Tell us about your creative process, from the beginning of a typical piece to its completion:

I let my subject matter move me to produce a piece of art. I use my minds eye to lay it out in a striking way. I research the subject. I then rough it out on the canvas. I then work at it until its done, section by section. I decide what is my goal for the day and go from there. I often work on multiple pieces at the same time. Presently I am working on four separate pieces in two different mediums.

What things inspire you to create art?

Lots of things inspire me. Colors, history, a story, beauty in nature as well as life.


What exhibitions have you had?

 As a child, about 8th grade. My art was so advanced that my school gave me a one artist art show. I have been artist of the month for an art supply store. I have competed in local and national competitions and placed in them.


Have you sold any of your artworks?

I have sold pieces of my artwork through word of mouth as well as local shows.


How do you promote your art on the Internet?

I promote my artwork on the Internet through Facebook mainly. I have a page, Devildogart devoted to my art.

Tell us about influences

Its experiences both positive and negative. I create according to what moves me and my moods.


Please recommend another artist you admire

An artist that I admire is Robert Griffing and Andrew Nez. Both are frontier or historical artists. I love their style and details of their work.


Tell us something interesting in your life

I have been an artist from a young age. I got away from it while I was enlisted in the USMC. I spent my military career deployed the entire time. Stationed upon Navy Ships for three years and deployed to 15 different countries. Seeing most of them multiple times. I served in combat and witnessed many ugly things that my art now helps me deal with.


David McGee

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/devildogart