Interview With Our Cover Artist: Rick Merriman

Rick Merriman is a digital artist.  A sample of his work is on our cover this month.  He served with the U.S. Air Force in the 'Eighties; we're honored he granted us an interview.

LA Libertad:  What is your occupation?

Rick:  Artist and Photographer... 

"The Seamstress" by Rick Merriman

I have been an artist, photographer and writer for - well, for a long time.  I currently specialize in "Pretty Woman Art" and the stories behind those women.  My art is a unique combination of photography, digital painting, and 3D [three-dimensional] renders.  Though I have gone to school for photography, I am a self-taught artist, 3D renderer, and digital painter.  Much of my artistic experience came late at night in hotel rooms...  You see, much of my life, I was a Sales and/or Marketing manager for various commercial lighting companies where I traveled extensively.  I would do my art on a laptop while waiting in airports, and in the hotel at night.  I have recently given up my career in sales and marketing to be a professional artist and photographer.

Though I have many favorites of my art, if I had to pick the top two, it would be "The Seamstress" (the same girl three times) and "An American Portrait" (hundreds of hidden pictures).  "An American Portrait" is currently being used by several radio stations for the Fourth of July contests and promotions.

I use Canon photographic equipment, and use many software packages to make my art, but I LIVE in Adobe Photoshop.  I also use DAZ 3D Studio, Poser, Maya, and Corel Painter.

LA Libertad:  In which city and state do you live?

Rick:  Akron Ohio, but just recently moved here from the L.A. area...

LA Libertad:  What do you love most about your work?

Rick:  Being creative and expressing myself.

LA Libertad:  Do you have any other talents or hobbies?

Rick:  I write short fiction, photograph, digital art, 3D renders, and I used to be a magician and mime!

LA Libertad:  What inspires you?

Rick:  Beautiful women!

LA Libertad:  What is the hardest part of your job?

Rick:  The marketing need to promote yourself...

LA Libertad:  Do you speak any other languages?

Rick:  A little Thai and Indonesian...

LA Libertad:  Where have you traveled?

Rick:  Many countries in Europe and Asia...

LA Libertad:  What are your goals for your career?

Rick:  To become a widely known Artist...

LA Libertad:  Any upcoming projects?

Rick:  Pretty Woman Art is a Kickstarter project to create fifty canvases depicting the most beautiful women in history and fiction (see link for details).

"An American Portrait" was just completed for the Fourth of July.  Hidden in the painting are over four hundred images and references to iconic American things (see link for details).

LA Libertad:  What links you would like to share?

Rick: 

prettywomanart.com

https://twitter.com/RickPMerriman

www.facebook.com/rick.p.merriman

plus.google.com/101962480561062114674/posts

prettywomanart.tumblr.com

rickmerriman.deviantart.com

www.renderosity.com/enter-the-legends-of-mernac-interview-with-founder-rick-merriman-cms-13237

www.modelmayhem.com/2755440

Interview by Libertad Green

Art by Rick Merriman