Check Out Drew’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Drew.

Hi Drew, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m Drew, originally from San Jose, CA, and now residing in Burbank. For as long as I can remember, I have always loved drawing. I was introduced to painting through art classes in high school. And that’s where my passion for painting started. I didn’t really do much painting after graduating and that’s where my journey took a pause.. a very long pause. After stepping away from painting for nearly two decades, I recently found my way back to it—thanks in large part to my wife. A few years ago, she suggested I try altering old thrift store paintings, and after some persistent encouragement, I finally gave it a shot. Now, I reimagine old paintings that I find from thrift stores or yard sales by adding nostalgic pop culture references.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think the hardest part of my art journey was getting back into it. Before I started painting again, I haven’t touched a brush for nearly two decades. So, overcoming self-doubt was a huge obstacle. It was hard to convince myself that I still had it. But once I got going, things started to fall into place. I think feeling comfortable enough to even show my art to the world was also a hurdle. But I’ve learned to celebrate the small wins along the way—it’s all part of the journey.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a visual artist with a soft spot for the past. I find old paintings from thrift stores and yard sales, and help them transition into their second act by adding nostalgic pop culture references. Picture this… an old painting from grandma’s house of a quiet mountain scene suddenly turned into a level from Super Mario.

Most of the things I paint over these pieces are inspired by what made me happy as a kid—classic video games, cartoons, and all the quirky stuff I grew up loving. For me, it’s less about creating something totally new and more about blending the old with the playful, in a way that sparks a smile or a memory. It’s like giving the artwork—and my inner child—a second chance to play.

I usually use oil and acrylic paints, with oil being my personal preference. I just like the versatility of oil paints—you can paint something one day and, if you wanted to make a change, still be able to play around with it the next day.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Honestly, I think the biggest obstacle most of us face is ourselves. For someone starting out, my advice really is to do just that—start. A lot of the time, the only thing really standing in your way is you. It’s totally normal to worry about what other people might think, but once you learn to block that out, things start to click. You begin to discover your strengths, connect with the right people, and find your groove.

As artists, we all hit those moments where starting the next piece feels like a huge task. When I’m stuck in a rut, I try to do something super low-pressure—like doodling in a sketchbook or even coloring in a coloring book. It helps me get out of my head and back into a creative rhythm.

Pricing:

• 8×10 print – $25
• 11×14 print – $35
• 5×7 print – $8

Contact Info:

• Website: https://secondactartgallery.etsy.com
• Instagram: @secondactartgallery