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

Hi Walter, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
For many years I worked part time at an art store. When I wasn’t working, I was constantly creating. I am an illustrator and painter and use Posca Paint Pens as my primary medium on canvas, found wood, and surfboards. While building my collection of works, I also participate at local art shows in the Stuart and Jupiter area. In addition to this, I started teaching small groups of people how to paint with Posca in my unique style and subject matter. Today, I work full time at a really cool local screen printing company. Now that most of my days are busy with this, I have had to learn how to utilize my time effectively so I can continue painting, exhibiting at shows, and teaching my Posca classes – something that I am working towards growing this year.

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.
I was born around surfing and spent my entire summers on the beach. My parents owned several surf shops around town so I guess you can say it’s in my blood. I started painting Fantasy Surf Art in 2007 and it has constantly evolved into what I paint today. My style if very unique because of the nature of what I paint and the medium I use, Posca Paint Pens. There aren’t a lot of Posca surf artists out there; especially in Florida. I paint waves, the sun, flowers, beach huts, fire… I use the energy of the ocean, beach, and environment to power every painting I create. When I start a piece, I think about what I want to illustrate and then freestyle the entire piece from sketching it to painting. I let the energies of music and my love for the ocean to power all of what I do. Posca Paint Pens are relatively new to the U.S. I love them because they’re very opaque, the colors are vibrant, and the technique is using a felt tip on a hard surface so when you apply it to the canvas, it’s similar to a tattoo gun – that’s the feel and expression of it. It’s easy to control which is great for me because my lines of my illustrations are very detailed and pronounced.

As a professional artist, I’ve learned three valuable lessons along the way. The first is that it’s important to have my own technique to set myself apart from others in my area. The second is that over time and after some mistakes, I learned how to price my work properly. Lastly, but just as important, I learned the necessity of having a strong and engaging social media presence on Instagram and TikTok as well as a well designed website that I can sell my work from. I also have a section on my website dedicated to my Posca class schedule and where my students can decide which class they want to attend and pay for it right there. It’s easy for them and it’s easy for me because everything I do and offer is in one place.

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.
For a week long visit, I would show my friend what I love to do every week. First I’d take them to the Middle Cove beach for a beach clean up (collecting plastic and trash that have washed ashore or left behind from beach goers). For shopping, we’d head to 561. For food and drink, we’d head to my favorite hotspots in Stuart which are: Hani Honey Cafe, Blue Door Cafe, and Roasted Records Coffee Shop. I love walking so I’d definittely take them to the downtown Stuart boardwalk along the river and stop at some of the waterfront restaurants along the way.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to dedicate my shout out to Drew and Maria Brophy. They introduced me to Posca Paint Pens and I’ve never looked back. I’ve been using these to paint and illustrate my subject of Fantasy Surf Art since 2011. A few years back, Maria wrote a book called Art Money Success. Not only did it teach me everything I need to know about pricing and selling my art, but it helped to influence my decisions in selling my work as a professional artist and still does today.

Website: www.dzsurfdesigns.com

Instagram: Dubzitizedsurfart

Image Credits
Heather Ivins , Kc scott , Cristina Peckina

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