Artist Shad Nowicki lives and paints in Ellicottville N.Y..

How long have you been painting?
“As long as I can remember. My earliest and biggest influences were comic books and 80’s movies. Like with anything, I learned to paint by painting, and still am. It’s always been an evolving passion. Kind of a monster on my back, but a good one.”

Where do you get your ideas for your paintings?

“It all depends. If I’m painting a commission for a client, I’m kind of the pilot and they’re the co-pilot on that piece. They give me a destination and I get them there. “

“When I paint for myself, I can really fly!  Being a fan of so much vintage pop culture, 80’s movies and T.V., I’m easily inspired. I usually go with what I’m passionate about at the time. I just put it down on canvas and paint that subject until I feel I’ve done it justice.”

What is your favorite part about being an artist?
“I’d say,the process and challenge of creating each painting. I like the feeling I get after I’ve signed the painting, step back and see it finally done. I always think that many hours ago, this was a blank canvas, and now it’s ..Done!  I’m really into using only actual vintage magazines and other media in my collage paintings. I’ve been playing with a lot of Blacklight sensitive paint too! It makes every painting a little bit more unique and one of a kind.”

Any big plans in the near future?
“Painting…. I’m very excited to be showing my artwork at Comic and Pop Culture Conventions. I finally , truly feel at home as an artist. I love meeting new fans and have made some great friends. I definitely would like to do more in the future. I guess you’ll have to stay tuned!”