Jerrod Freak
Well its time for another Horror Freak of the Week. This time it’s Horror Artist Jerrod Brown!
Jerrod is a traditional artist who has been painting and drawing nearly 40 years, everything from murals to illustrations. He paints and draws from his home studio. Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards 2008 ARTIST OF THE YEAR Honorable Mention. Horror Book Cover artist for Sonar4 Publications. Jerrod currently resides in Jacksonville Florida with his wife Linda and daughter Evelyna. His work can be seen at http://www.myspace.com/jerrodbrown (Presented the ‘FREAKING SCARY SITE AWARD’ by HorrorFind.com) He also sells original paintings, prints and commissioned work from his home studio, galleries and conventions.
So tell us… who you are and what you do?
As far back as I can remember, I was drawing and painting in some form or fashion. I worked as an artist in the Theme Park Scenic Industry for many, many years. I’ve worked in many different mediums and have painted on lots of various elements. My paint of choice is Acrylic on Canvas. I’m a big advocate of traditional style painting. More and more artists are relying on digital means these days with software colors and a mouse or Wacom pen taking place of palette and brush. The computer takes over and does most of the work and self reliance is becoming less and less. If you go in a bookstore and look at all the covers, 90% or more are done in digital style and you couldn’t tell me the artist who painted it because they all look alike . Some even go as far as digitally manipulating an existing photo and calling it their painting. If I see something hand painted, there’s a good chance I can tell you who painted it by recognizing their style. This makes the individual and their masterpiece unique and sets them apart from others. Frank Frazetta, Boris Vallejo, Julie Bell, Ken Kelly, Michael Whelan, Hildebrandt Brothers, etc. (the list goes on) never use digital. Frank Frazetta once said, “if you’re an artist pick up a palette, brush and paint, I’m not going to allow technology to hold my hand”. I live by those words. Don’t get me wrong, I own a Wacom board myself, and it has it’s purpose. But, I’d rather have a uniquely crafted piece of art in my hands that my customers can actually see the brushstrokes, feel the layers of textures, even smell the paints. It has so many levels of labor and aspects going on other than just the portrait, as opposed to nothing more than a digitally printed image. Every artist develops their own 
comfort level. My favorite size canvas is 24″ x 30″ or larger. I met and talked with Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell last year. I was always under the impression that their paintings were relatively large. They showed me the latest pieces they were working on and I was surprised at how small their boards actually were. I paint every chance I get. I really hate mainstream TV, so I’d much rather be diving into a canvas than wasting my time sitting in front of a s**t box. Plus, I have something to show for my time.
I first paint in my base background colors. Then I’ll sketch in my background elements and paint them in. From there, I sketch in my main forground elements and paint them in last. All between drying times of course. Sometimes it depends on the piece and how I need to approach it. I’m not an airbrush artist per se, but I use airbrush to highlight or accent the final painting.
How did you get into the portrait painting of Horror Icons?
I’ve been a fan of all things Horror since I was a kid. I grew up admiring the paintings of Basil Gogos (Artist of ‘Famous Monsters of Filmland’ magazine covers in the 60’s and 70’s). I had the wonderful honor of meeting and talking with him at length in 2007. After that discussion, he inspired me to make a go of what I really love. A year later in 2008 I was laid off from the Theme Park Scenic Industry, so really, I’ve only been painting the Horror genre for a little under two years.
Have you had any formal training, art school, study with anyone, etc.?
No, none at all.
I know you’ve been painting and drawing for almost 40 years. Have you done work other than the horror paintings?
Believe it or not, that’s too much to explain. If you befriend me at http://www.myspace.com/JerrodBrown or http://www.facebook.com/HorrorArtist you can see some of my former work under the pics or photos section titled ‘My day job prior to layoff Oct. 08′. I’ve painted Building Murals, Theme Parks, Museums, Resorts, Movie Props, Restaurants, etc. You will not even see all the things that I have painted as opposed to what I am painting now. I have also sculpted too. I really loved my job, traveling all over the US and Japan, but the economy has literally put me out of work.
Now you do prints of your work as well right?
Absolutely. All of my work is for sale. I sell original existing pieces, as well as prints and commission requests are always welcome. You can write to me through Myspace or Facebook, or e-mail me directly at SouthpawCreation@bellsouth.net
What Conventions and Trade Shows have you been to in the past?
As far as the Horror genre, I’m a regular guest at the Conventions in Florida (where I live). I also set up at various shows, venues and clubs in my area.
Tell us what future Conventions you will be at this year?
I’m open for any appearance requests for Conventions, Galleries, Clubs, etc. all year long. My October dates are confirmed and booked for the following events:
Spooky Empire’s ‘Ultimate Horror Weekend 2009′ – October 9th, 10th, 11th. Orlando, FL.
http://www.spookyempire.com
‘Artistree Gallery’ – Oct. 17th Reception (Art work exhibit thru Oct. 29th) Atlantic Beach, FL.
http://www.theartistree.com/contactus.htm
‘Haunted Time Machine’ Halloween Party @ Edge 17 – October 31st Jacksonville, FL.
http://www.edge17.com
Do you have a favorite painting or print that you’ve done?
Actually no. I like what I’m working on in the moment, but I honestly can’t say I ever had a favorite. I’m my own worst critic.
Is there anyone you have not painted yet but would like to?
I love all types of Horror, so my subject matter is endless. I enjoy mainstream, independent, B-movies, everything. I keep a running list of paintings I want to do, as well as requests. Sometimes I’ll ask people that come to my booth… who’s your favorite and what would you like to see a painting of.
Have some of the actors and icons (other than King Kong, Nosferatu, etc.) that you’ve painted seen your work in person?
Yes, some of them have. If I meet them in person and I’ve painted them, I’ll give them a free print of the painting I’ve done of them to show my appreciation.
What’s next for you? Anyone or anything you’re working on now?
I’m not tellin’… it’s a surprise (ha, ha). Really, just check my sites and I’ll update them with my latest pieces.
I saw you received Honorable Mention in the 7th Annual Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards. Congratulations! You’re going to take first place next year right?
Now that was a true shocker! I couldn’t believe I was put in 3rd place so soon, and this was a fan based/write in type award that honors people in the Horror genre each year. A record 2,933 fans had voted. It would be a dream to take first place in such a prestigious Award Ceremony next year. The next time to vote will be in February, so I hope to get your votes. To see the current winners, go to http://rondoawards.com
How can admirers of your work get in touch with you?
My sites are:
Myspace
http://www.myspace.com/jerrodbrown
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/HorrorArtist
Cafepress
http://www.cafepress.com/jerrodbrown
or directly by e-mail at:
SouthpawCreation@bellsouth.net
