Artist Interview: Meet Dalton Warden

Patric: Dalton, thanks for taking the time to share your insights and stories today. I understand you recently traveled from your home base in Coconut Grove, Florida to create a custom outdoor mural for a business owner in St. Ignace, Michigan. Is that a “typical” commission for you? Can you walk us through how that process came to fruition?

Dalton: The Firehouse mural was not typical in the sense of scale and outdoor latex painting but was very typical as to how it came about so organically in casual conversation with an old friend who works as a construction contractor in the St. Ignace area. The original artist was a no call no show, and the owner was in a pinch needing the mural completed before the busy tourist season. My friend reached out and asked if that was something I was capable of. I jumped at the opportunity and am so glad I did! The community reception was incredible, with folks stopping by to see what I was up to and discuss art.

Patric: Would you say it’s common in your world to generate commissions through word of mouth?

Dalton: I’ve been blown away by how many opportunities have snowballed through referrals and simple word of mouth! I love discussing art, and it’s a beautiful thing to discuss what I love with others and demonstrate how I can help create something meaningful for someone. I truly pour my heart and soul into each piece, so to see people react with joy and emotion is the greatest reward and ultimate compliment.

Patric: Your fans endearingly refer to pieces commissioned from you as their “Daltonian Originals”. How would you best describe a Daltonian Original?

Dalton: That makes me smile…. I would say a Daltonian Original is typically best viewed in person for maximum experience. I put a ton of energy into focusing on intricate details, including building my own canvases and creating my own frames. Technical material choices made with gesso, canvas material, paint application, varnish, framing, and composition are all intentional. I would define a Daltonian Original as a culmination of love and painstaking attention to detail. Each piece, no matter how big or small, is filled with tiny “Easter eggs” for the customer to find. It is always a wonderful compliment receiving a note from a customer, often from years past, contacting me to tell me how they’re still finding these “Easter egg” details hidden in their artwork!

Patric: Wait - in addition to creating the actual art, you also build the canvases and framing by hand?

Dalton: Yep! Each piece is entirely hand crafted, framing and all.

Patric: Very cool. Let’s peel back a few layers. When did you decide to devote yourself to art? What lead to that decision, and where has that decision lead you?

Dalton: Near the end of my high school career, I knew I wanted to go to NMU to pursue art. It was what I knew, and what I was best at. I was approached by one of my professors, Ed Risak, who asked about my major and artistic ambitions. Professor Risak saw my potential and encouraged me to consider switching from Graphic Design in Advertising to Studio Drawing and Painting. I knew I wasn’t interested in the starving artist route, and voiced my reservations to professor Risak, who responded “I was told I would never make a living from pottery. I now have a beautiful family, a gallery at Presque Isle on Lake Superior, and I get to teach my passion at NMU. If you follow what you love, the rest will sort itself out”. That exact moment was something of an epiphany for me, and I immediately dove headfirst into Studio Drawing and Painting.

Fast forwarding two years, I began working for artist Lawrence Carroll, learning the intricacies of the art world. I was positive I had made all the right decisions leading to that point and onward. Art has since taken me to places like Italy, Hawaii, France, and even the Dry Tortugas.

Patric: Sounds like you’ve had some fantastic artistic influences.

Dalton: Oh absolutely! At the top of the list is Lawrence Carroll. I apprenticed for him in Marquette, and we became close friends. He showed me how possible it is to make your biggest most outlandish dreams a reality. He changed my life, offering continual guidance on how to successfully navigate the art world. Lawrence’s energy and encouragement was infectious and gave me the confidence to continue creating every day. He also permanently taught me how NOT to be a starving artist. There are many ways to make your way in the art industry, just don't put all your eggs in one basket!

Another massive influence has and always will be Norman Rockwell. His work ethic was otherworldly, and his attention to detail is where I set the bar on everything I do.

Patric: Do you have a preferred creative medium, and/or specific area of artistic expertise?

Dalton: My entire upbringing was graphite pencil drawing. EVERYTHING was graphite pencil drawing. From age 5 of copying cartoon drawings to my junior year at NMU. By my final year of college I thought to myself “you call yourself an artist? And you can’t even paint!” I had never given painting the time of day. During my senior year I chose to set the pencil down and paint. It was hectic and confusing and frustrating at first but once I obtained a grasp on oil painting my life forever changed. It can be so simple or so incredibly complex that the technical aspect of oil painting will keep you always learning.

I hit a point with drawing where when I started a drawing, I knew what the result would look like. With oil painting, I have no idea what the final result will look like!

Patric: Do you ever feel stuck? What do you do (or not do) when that happens?

Dalton: I haven't felt “writer's block” in years. I keep a list of commissions along with a list of personal concepts which are constantly growing and evolving. If I’m spinning my wheels on a particular project, I’ll typically set it aside and work on another. I keep multiple sketchbooks for watercolor and pen drawings, along with an ever-going series of Detroit pen drawings. If I’m not being productive in my studio, you can find me on the couch with my studio laptop drawing computer. I am constantly creating.

Patric: Do you have an existing customer base?

Dalton: Even better. I can honestly say I now have collectors! They are a handful of people who have consistently purchased or commissioned artwork from me over the past ten years. Lawrence Carroll used to say “out of 100 people, I only need two to believe in what I do. Be great to the ones who see greatness in you”.

Patric: What are some of your current biggest challenges, and how are you navigating them?

Dalton: Networking and marketing on a larger scale has been an interesting challenge. Since most of my work up to this point has come organically through mutual contacts and simple word of mouth, it is a new experience for me. My commission list keeps growing, which is great, but I would like to expand my services to include more commercial, professional contract work. I’ve found that marketing my work to a more corporate audience has proven a unique challenge in the immense amount of time it consumes, which also takes away from time spent on individual commissions. Again, a bit of a balancing act to navigate, but a fun learning opportunity. I am always looking at new avenues for growth and will entertain just about any idea! Even if I’m not able to ultimately take on a particular commission or project, I do my best to get the customer in touch with someone who can. I was taught that customer service should always be a priority, which seems like a lost concept in the world these days.

Patric: How has your education helped you in your career path?

Dalton:

Leaving my farm town at 18 and enrolling at NMU absolutely changed my life.

It taught me so much about what’s possible and what opportunities the world has to offer if you’re willing to put in the effort and follow your passion. College life was fast and often hectic, but I learned lessons and made connections I will cherish for the rest of my life. It was a blessing to learn and grow in one of the most beautiful places in the country.

Patric: What’s up next for Dalton Warden?

Dalton: I’m currently in the process of creating illustration for an upcoming book publication, although unfortunately I can’t elaborate further just yet. I also have upcoming commissions in the works involving the Green Bay Packers, a public-school mural in Oakland County, Michigan, and an undisclosed project located in the Bahamas. I wish I could tell you more, but you’ll have to stay tuned for now! It’s a very exciting time.

Patric: Thanks for your time today, Dalton. For those interested, what’s the best way to view your art, or get in touch with you?

Dalton: It was my honor! Thank you for reaching out and asking such great questions. The easiest way to contact me or view my portfolio is through my website or Instagram: @dalton_warden_