Meet MG Stout | Expressionistic Painter & ARTertainer

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

Hi MG, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“Never grow a wishbone, daughter, where your backbone should be.” -Clementine Paddleford

I’m encouraged by many quotes, but this one really resonates with me. It debunks the ideology of the early Disney princesses that rely on knights in shining armor, or wishes on stars to make things happen in their lives. It’s real talk. Not sugar, spice and everything nice. It’s about grit, personal responsibility and ambition. If you want something, set goals, make plans, and get to work.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I paint to sort things out and exercise my brain intellectually and emotionally. To create something original-ish, painterly, curious and optimistic. My signature style is a blend of color, brush work, distinctive lines, and personality. My paintings convey dual narratives, that of the subject and painter. I often paint five different paintings on the same canvas before I get to the final piece. The historian’s are going to have a lot to see with their x-ray machines lol.

The process is as important to my work as the final image. I’m never certain if the idea I begin with will actually be where I end up. The colors, the marks, the accidents, the struggles, the textures, all direct me while I’m painting. I work on a bunch of pieces at a time. I hate wasting paint and waiting for it to dry. I want the work to look effortless, evoking a sense of almost childlike wonderment, but with an adult sophistication. I want there to be enough recognizable imagery for folks to find a way into the abstract worlds I’ve created. I want your eye to explore the picture plane like a map. I want to spark a memory or a feeling in you. I want you to unplug and reconnect with yourself and with me. I want you to feel something! Joy, anger, confusion, whatever, and share those thoughts and feelings with me and the others. I paint to cultivate community and make meaningful connections with people.

I couldn’t be where I am professionally without my tribe. Life isn’t easy and the arts are a tough business. Rejection is something that happens more often than not. Truth be told, every juried show or exhibit I enter, I expect to not get in. Not because my work isn’t “good enough” it’s just the nature of the business. I’ve been on both sides of the jury. I’ve judged and been judged. What I’ve learned is that it’s a numbers game, it’s not personal. It also depends on the biases and likes of the individual doing the judging. The take away is believe in yourself and keep sending your work everywhere. Also develop a thick skin. Like RuPaul says “unless they paying yo bills, pay em no mind”

I want the world to know that art is for everyone. You don’t need a degree to appreciate it or make it. Painting is freedom and the purest expression of self. It’s who I am and what I was born to do.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If you came to Fort Lauderdale we’d walk from my apartment to Sistrunk Marketplace & Brewery. Super fun food vendors, live music and bar. Then we’d make our way over to the Glitch Bar that has all sorts of old school video games that are free with the purchase of a drink. Plus they have a Psychic Chicken, that lays golden eggs filled with a tiny toy and fortune. Nearby there is a place called Chops & Hops where you can throw axes and channel your inner woodsman.

The beach is only 3 miles from my place and is glorious. You can rent a boat or jet skis or just chill in the ocean and sun bathe. By night be sure to check out the Mermaid/man Burlesque shows at the Wreck Bar – B Ocean Resort. So many yummy restaurants to try along the beach too. I love the watermelon salad at El Vez. If you are into sushi Takato is the BEST in town according to my family.

Another must see is the River Walk & Los Olas. There are many art galleries, shopping, and great happy hour deals.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It did take a village to get me here. Eternal thanks to my husband, my parents, my in-laws and my children.

Website: http://www.mgstout.com

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/mgeestout

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/marygallagherstout

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mgstout

Image Credits
Nelson Cabrera – took the photo of me painting on the floor