Pictured: Painting of Taylor Swift by Kentucky artist Elias Reynolds.
By Sunni Battin
Being in front of a canvas equates to “mad love” for Elias Reynolds. In fact, the Kentucky native has been painting since he was a toddler, a passion his mother passed on to him. But never in his “wildest dreams,” did he envision that Taylor Swift would become his latest inspiration nor his biggest learning curve.
“I’m doing an art print subscription this year where each month I’m making an original Taylor Swift painting based on each of her eras,” he said. “Then I make corresponding art prints that are then mailed automatically to subscribers. Painting the same person over again, I thought would get easier with each one but with the variety of themes and different views of her, each painting has been challenging in its own way. But I welcome the challenge and overall has helped me grow as an artist.”
Noting that his familiarity with the pop icon’s eras was limited, Reynolds knew he had his homework cut out for him. He spent time researching and getting assistance from his wife on themes and lyrics. According to Reynolds, each painting takes between 8-16 hours of work and is completed within a few days. So far, painting his version of “Lover” for its vibrancy and detail and “Reputation” for its edgy and pensive feel have been his favorite paintings of Swift. Also, both of those era paintings have sold in addition to the “1989” era.
“I would consider myself a fan by proxy,” he said. “My wife and kids enjoy her music and while I might not listen to her music by myself, I will listen to her with my family. I’m more so a fan of how inspiring she is and a great influence on young girls and women in general.”
Other art projects that Reynolds works on include murals, live paintings, and commissions. He says he frequently paints musicians and cultural icons. In addition, he has worked with such entities as the Kentucky Derby and Amazon and has also had his work featured on the Travel Channel.
“I find painting gives me a way to tell everyone what I have to say while also making the world a brighter, more interesting place,” Reynolds explains. “Everyone has something they’re good at it, it’s just a matter of finding that thing and putting everything you can into it. Painting for me is my calling and I hope to inspire others through it.”
Recently, Reynolds finished the “Midnights” era with the painting having a very “bejeweled” vibe. All paintings are on his website. When the subscription ends, he intends to release the art prints to the public either next month or in January. Additionally, he does not rule out a future Taylor Swift-inspired series.
For more information:
EliasReynoldsArt.com
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