First Light Painting

Fred Wilson discovered his creative side after moving to Arizona in the 1970s. A successful professional in marketing and design management, he had always seen his art as a hobby and learning process rather than a career. After studying with other artists, painting became his passion. He owned his own gallery in the Prescott for several years, then retired from management and dedicated himself to painting. Fred paints in miniature and ACEO because he loves the challenge of seeing how much depth and detail he can achieve on a tiny canvas. His subjects are the opposite of small: the Rim Country of Northern Arizona, the rugged West Coast, the islands of Hawaii and European landscapes. He has even added reached beyond the limits of earth to outer space, painting scenes planets and stars and mythic impressions inspired by films such as “Star Wars.” His more recent work reflects changes to his thinking about his subjects. He has wanted to break out of his safe mode and express the impressions of the color, movement and simplicity that make up the beauty of the land and seascapes that bring us pleasure. In his later years, he feels an urge to push himself, to throw the box away and live outside of it.