by Ruth Mills

BE: You have a variety of styles you utilize in your work... how do you determine which style serves a project best?

WJO: Style is generally determined by the client and if the client leaves things up to me, I consider the story line and subject matter. From there I apply the style that I feel will be compatible and enhances the story. I am a traditional/realist artist so my styles do not vary tremendously. However, how I choose to use color, brushwork, edges, and lighting, for example, can imply a variety of styles. Time and deadlines can affect my approach to a project as well. Obviously the more detailed the work, the more time is required.

BE: Is there anything in particular like music or nature that helps focus your creativity?

WJO: Creating art is a fairly solitary occupation and for the most part, I enjoy that aspect of it. However, I am still a social animal and find that a
connection to the world outside is important. Therefore, music does play a part. Depending on my needs, I will play everything from soft classical
music to Disco. I guess at times I use music to inspire, excite, and motivate me, much like the crowd at a ball game may cheer on their team. 

In addition, when I've spent too much time in the studio I try to go outside and paint for a change of pace. During this time, I may not be working on
anything pertaining to the jobs at hand, but the sounds and feel of nature are very soothing to me. Even the bugs and the wind have helped me to
rejuvenate and focus, allowing my mind to explore thoughts more freely and opening a wider path for creativity. Of course, there often are times when
silence is best.

BE: In regard to book illustrations, do you decide what image is the correct one for conveying the message of the text or is that left more or less to
the author or the publisher?

WJO: The client that I work closest to determines how the images are conveyed. This person has generally been the author, the designer, or the editor.
There have been times where the client has been very specific with what the images are to be like, while others give me much more leeway, suggesting
changes as the process moves forward. Regardless of the arrangement, a major part of my job is not only to create, but to communicate with the client so that they receive what they want.

BE: Who are some of the artists, or maybe some of the places in life, that have influenced you?

WJO: I lived in Mid-Coast Maine for a couple of years where I could visit places where Winslow Homer and Andrew Wyeth painted. Though I would love to paint like them, I was most intrigued by how they created their works of art and the places that inspired them. Ultimately, the working and the creative
processes of artists that I enjoy has made me reflect upon my own thought process, influencing me to work and think in ways that I had not considered
in the past. I find this very valuable.

BE: You've been very involved with education and helping to bring up new, young artists. Do you have any words of wisdom for other artists out there
struggling to make their way?

WJO: As I said earlier, art can be a fairly solitary occupation. A negative residual of this is that it has made me sensitive to what others may think of my work. For the most part this has not changed regardless of where my career has been. When my confidence ebbs, my work ethic becomes stagnant.
This I have learned is a no-no. A consistent work ethic is my best ally. There will be many things that he or she cannot control (a need to get a non-art job to support him or herself, social commitments, bad economy, people who do not care for one's work, etc.), but when there is time to work on his or her art, one should do so and exert the most self-control.

Surround yourself with positive and encouraging people, but balance this with a trusted group who can be honest about your work without crushing your confidence. Continue to learn and study from the best; this is a given. I have found that when I do these things, opportunity arises and I am more prepared to take advantage of them. Always believe in oneself, but at the same time, be honest.

~BE
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Gorgeous, isn't it all? Tell us what you think.

Wilson J. Ong grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and attended Brigham Young University, receiving a B.F.A in painting and drawing. He furthered his studies at the Art Students’ League in New York City, NY studying with nationally renowned figurative artists Ted Seth Jacobs and Harvey Dinnerstein.

He has sold his work professionally as an artist and illustrator since 1983. He has had exhibits and works shown at the Art Students’ League; O’Brien’s Art Emporium, Scotsdale, AZ; Springville Museum of Art, Springville, UT; Butler Institute of American Art, Youngstown, OH; Cottage Gallery, Carmel, CA; Francesca Anderson Fine Art, Lexington, MA; Center for Maine Contemporary Art, Camden, ME; Westend Gallery, Corning, NY to name several.

Please visit Mr. Ong at http://www.wilsonong.com/ or http://shannonassociates.com/artists.php?artist=wilsonong.
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Mr. Ong was interviewed by Ruth Smith Mills, who writes the Fantasy column for Beyondaries.