We had the good fortune of connecting with Derrick Helphenstine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Derrick, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
Working in art is acompletely customer service based business. Everyone says it, but you never really believe that art sales are like 80% marketing, promoting, and 20% art.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy. I’m relatively new to the art scene, and not classically trained, so there have certainly been some uphill struggles and learning curves. What I’m most proud of, I have to say, are my sky portions and paintings. I lived in Beijing for three years and with so many yucky sky days, it’s been nice to see the blue skies and clouds, and translate them into my work.
Being an international school teacher and artist is difficult because I can’t always find what I need, and am not always able to bring it with me.
I would like the world to know that there’s a world behind my art. I draw from experiences, and past travels, so I feel like each piece has a soul.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In the Denver area I’d certainly take them to the Denver art museum and Contemporary art center in Denver.

Dining would be Pit Fiend BBQ and Glo Noodle House, and drinks at Cantina Loca for sure.

Then I’d like to head on out of town for Pike’s peak, because, why not? Some camping, and some plein air painting.

Back in town before leaving, a stop at Bakery Four would hit the spot before their journey home.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Honestly, I have learned so much from fellow artists like Mo Teeuw, Mitch Albala, and Tim Cunningham about process and end results. My friend Pamela J Bates keeps me inspired by her never ending enthusiasm for production and customer service.

Instagram: Derrickpaints1980

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