Today we’d like to introduce you to Don Quade.
Don, before we jump into specific questions about your art, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As a young and naive artist, I really had no idea how to approach a gallery. I was meeting a friend for coffee and next door a new gallery had just opened so I went in to check it out. I struck up a conversation with the owner and we hit it off, I mentioned to her how much I liked the gallery and that I was an artist who someday hoped to show in a gallery-like hers. She responded by saying she would like to see my work sometime. Looking back now, I realize she was probably just being polite, but I took her to be serious and immediately drove home, loaded up my car with paintings and drove back.
She looked surprised to see me again and asked if I had forgotten something. I proudly announced I had brought her some paintings because she had asked to see them. What else could she do? Fortunately, she really loved the work and within a month she sold most of what she took and was calling me for more. Six months later, I had my first show. It really was a dream come true although I would not recommend this approach to other artists; however, as the saying goes: I was the right person in the right place at the right time.
That chance encounter happened 25 years ago. Since then, I have had the good fortune to exhibit my work in numerous galleries and art venues on both coasts and quite a few places in-between as well as internationally.
Has it been a smooth road?
Anyone who makes and sells their art for a living can attest to the highs and lows of the market. It can very much be a “feast or famine” environment. I feel very blessed that my paintings have been well received. I wouldn’t really call it a ‘challenge’, but I do think one of the most important focuses for any artist is staying relevant and creating solid work that stands the test of time. When the work is feeling comfortable, it’s probably time to reassess and push yourself into some new and oftentimes uncomfortable territory in order to push your boundaries and grow as an artist who is always seeking to raise their personal bar.
We’d love to hear more about your art.
I create original abstract paintings based from imagery, and the abundant geometry, found in nature. I employ a variety of techniques that have become my signature technique. In art school, I liked all of the techniques I studied and I couldn’t just decide on one, so I often joke that I use them all! Typically I mix oil with acrylics, add found objects, paper collage, graphite drawing. I paint on wood panels so they are very sturdy and hold up well to the layers of paint and the added elements I apply to the surface.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
The thing I like the most about Denver is also the thing I like the least about it – the growth. The expansion of Denver has brought so many great restaurants, shops, businesses and cultural attractions. It has also brought additional congestion and a higher cost of living. I moved to Denver when I was a teenager so I remember when it was still considered a big-little cow town, those days are long gone. Denver is now a major cosmopolitan A-list city that can hold it’s own against the cultural offerings of any other large metropolis.
Contact Info:
- Website: donquade.com
- Email: dquade4@comcast.net
- Instagram: milehighguy303
- Other: fineartsantafe.com and walkerfineart.com
Image Credit:
Bob Sullivan Photography
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