I've always been very proud to be an illustrator. There have been very few things in my life that have given me as much pleasure as delivering work to clients that not only matches what they are looking for but exceeds what they were expecting.
However, in my heart of hearts I have always considered myself a fine artist who just happens to make a living as an illustrator. From my first drawing lessons at age 8 at the Prattville, Alabama YMCA to my time as a student at both the Art Institute of Atlanta and The Atlanta College of Art I have always immersed myself in the study of art.
A few years ago one of my clients was describing me to a prospective client. She said, "Tim is a very good illustrator but I have always considered him more of a fine artist."
I like that description.
The detail above is from an acrylic painting entitled "The Benchwarmers."