Meet Sarah Caton Wynne | Contemporary Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Caton Wynne and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Taking risks helps me stay challenged and interested in what is waiting for me in the studio each day. I can sometimes lose creativity painting a similar subject matter, but taking risks with new styles and subjects keeps me focused and energized. The interplay of color often drives my artwork, so I’m also always on the hunt for colors that will really pop next to each other. Sometimes these risks don’t pay off, but what is the cost? My time, some paint and maybe a canvas if I’ve used a thick application. I learn from each of these mistakes and sometimes the mistakes become my favorite pieces.

What should our readers know about your business?
I graduated from The University of Texas with a degree in Finance and enjoy the business side of selling art as much as the creating. Developing a business plan and setting yearly goals is a great way for artists to stay on track. Whether it’s specific gallery representation or an increase in commissions or direct from website internet sales, having specific goals in mind helps me evaluate areas I can improve. I’ll routinely evaluate my studio to determine whether I need more of a certain style or different types of paintings. I’ll often see Instagram feeds of artists whose techniques I admire and want to emulate. Marketing and branding has become important as internet sales have grown. I also like to ask the gallery owners who represent me what is selling in their area, both in terms of subject matter and color. These are all aspects of the business side of art that I enjoy.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I think I’d try to recreate my 40th birthday with my sister, Carrie! She is also an art lover with a MFA in Art History and planned a tour of Houston’s amazing graffiti scene downtown. We saw “Houston is Inspired” by Gonzo 247 (313 Travis St.), the “Houston Wall” also by Gonzo (1503 Chartres St.), and “HTX Wings” by The OneLee (1503 Chartres St.) to name a few. As she was teaching me about this cool genre of art, she suggested we stop by the incredible Gonzo 247’s studio to see more of his work. We were lucky enough to meet him, and he gave us over an hour of his time, teaching us about his experience bringing graffiti art to “the dirty coast.” Unbelievably, to celebrate my birthday, he painted us matching silverback gorilla posters that he created for the Houston Zoo. I hang it very proudly in my house as a memory of this fun day!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I love the line in the 1981 film, Chariots of Fire, when the Olympic runner Eric Liddell says, “When I run, I feel [God’s] pleasure.” I often approach painting as a similar spiritual exercise. I am grateful for the gift of art and daily look for ways the Lord has combined colors in nature. I ask for His guidance as I am painting and enjoy the quiet time to continue to develop the gifts He has given me.

Website: www.sarahcatonwynne.com

Instagram: @sarahcatonwynne

Linkedin: @sarahcatonwynne

Twitter: @sarahcatonwynne

Facebook: @sarahcatonwynne