The Show

Meet the Artists

Your Portraits

Paul Wyse talks with Star Portraits about the correlation of music and art, and painting Billy Joel.

SP: How did you become interested in art?

PW: I am trained in classical piano, so I had a great deal of exposure to art through my education, and I always had a fascination with painting.

SP: You have a strong music background, tell us about it.

PW: As I mentioned, I have a full classical conservatory education (Peabody Institute, New England Conservatory) and have studied piano with some of the worlds top teachers. I spent a large part of my 20's performing around the world in ensembles such as the New World Symphony under Michael Tilson Thomas, as well as performing a lot of solo and chamber repertoire. I still perform often, just not as much as I used to.

SP: Do you find a correlation between your art and music?

PW: Art and Music really do go together, and many of the problems I encounter in music are echoed in painting, especially in regards to structure and concept. On the same note, painting gave me a lot of insight into solving musical problems, and vice versa.

SP: Was your experience on Star Portraits different from what you thought it was going to be?

PW: I did not expect to have so much fun! I was very happy with the artistic vision of all whom I had the chance to work with.

SP: Why do you think you are compelled to paint portraits?

PW: The mystery of transforming cloth and pigment into something that is looking back at you, as if through time, is a powerful allure for those of us who are afflicted and gifted with the compulsion to paint - hard to explain.

SP: How do you maintain momentum in your art practice?

PW: I just get up and paint on schedule whether I want to or not. Somehow this get's my blood flowing, and my inspiration and drive takes over.

SP: Where do you see yourself with your art in the future?

PW: I have been lucky to paint some famous people like Billy Joel and Leon Fleisher. I would love to paint a Prime Minister or a President one day, but in the mean time I am content to improve as much as I can, and enjoy the opportunities I have.

Artist Stats

An award winning artist living in Prescott Ontario, Paul Wyse's work hangs in public and private collections and has been seen in national publications. He was trained in the classical realist tradition at the Atelier de Bresoles, and is a disciple of master portrait artists Paul McCormack, Everett Raymond Kinstler, Daniel Greene, and Frank Covino.

www.wysefineart.com