We’re looking forward to introducing you to Tony Henson. Check out our conversation below.
Tony, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Energy. I have to have it now. I teach full-time and have 3 college evening classes after my full-time job. I also paint and play bass guitar on a regular basis. It seems my days are 7am-8/9pm. At almost 53 years old, most days require more energy than I have.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I can remember drawing as early as age three.
I had a difficult childhood and often turned to art to cope with my traumatic upbringing. My senior year I chose to live on my own in a trailer. Art has saved my life more than once. I didn’t think I was smart or good enough to attend college but applied to WKU two years after graduating from high school.
In 1998, I graduated from Western Kentucky University and earned a BA degree. Encouraged by my painting professor to work toward an advanced degree in art, I enrolled at East Tennessee State University, where I earned a MFA degree in painting in 2000.
Upon graduation, I accepted a position teaching Drawing at Watkins College of Art and Design in Nashville for two years living in Goodlettsville. My career includes teaching at Austin Peay State University, Western Kentucky University, Walters State Community College, and Virginia Highlands. I currently teach at Northeast State Community College and as an adjunct professor at King University. I also have my teaching license in Art and MEd from Milligan University.
I’ve been represented by galleries in DC, Atlanta, and Charlotte. Recently, I had a painting on a billboard in Times Square. My home studio is in Kingsport and I offer private lessons and studio visits. My wife, Jamie, and son, Adam are the most supportive people I have known. I’m a lucky guy! My family is the best.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My wife and son without a doubt. They both know me well and have helped me as a person, husband, dad, and artist. All of my success I owe to them. Without my wife and son, I would not be anywhere close to the man I am today. They keep me grounded and centered in so many ways.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self….don’t worry everything will be alright and your life will be beautiful one day.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
In the Art world, so many fads and trends come and go. I stick with what I want to paint, what I want to see in a painting, and trust my gut. It has gotten me this far in my 30 year career as a painter. If my style evolves naturally, I allow it but I never force it or care about what is selling in galleries or the trends that are happening currently in the Art market.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
Painting, hiking, seeing a sunrise with my son at Roan Mountain, or just spending quiet time with my wife and son.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tonyhensonart.com
- Instagram: tonyhensonart
- Facebook: Tony Henson
- Youtube: TonyHensonArt
