Today we’d like to introduce you to David Early.
David, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
From as far back as I can remember, I’ve always been an artist. There was never a doubt in my mind that I would ever do anything else. After experiencing a near fatal car accident a few years ago, my new life motto became “Life can change in the blink of an eye.” So, I followed my forever dream, moved to Paris and painted portraits and custom murals to support me financially. Eventually, my work was accepted into the prestigious Marcher des Artistes, an international art exhibition group.
In 1996, I expanded to include commission work and founded DEFA (David Early Fine Art) in France. Once back in the United States in 2000, I continued to follow my professional artistic life path and expanded my business. Soon after, I had a variety of clients such as: Islands Restaurants, Lucifer’s Pizza, Il Fornaio Restaurants, Las Brisas Restaurant, Tender Greens, Greenleaf, Sinigual, California Pizza Kitchen, El Torito, El Torito Grill, Tortilla Jo’s, Disney, Naples, Marie Callender’s, Sanuk Shoe Retailer, David Burke Restaurants, Norm’s Restaurants, Plums Catering and Marie Callender’s Grill.
I consider myself a fine artist, but I don’t limit my work to galleries. I’ve painted such diverse projects as 3000 one-of-a-kind pizza boxes commissioned by California Pizza Kitchen (worldwide distribution), massive, hand-painted interior and exterior murals for a Long Beach cannabis dispensary, super realistic figurative paintings collected by art patrons around the world. I’m a frequent participant in the Long Beach Open Studios Tour.
My process in creating artwork for clients includes meeting with designers, corporations, business owners, city planners or private individuals. I then conceptualize ideas for their needs, whether in the form of murals, paintings, drawings, signage, or 3-D sculpture. My focus is very site-specific, created especially for a client’s environment while keeping in mind who will be viewing it.
Upon returning to the States, I started teaching fine art at various schools such as Coastline Community College, the Art Institute, Beach High School and private art schools throughout Los Angeles. I’ve also been teaching private art classes to individual students.
Two years ago, I was offered an exciting position to form an out-patient art program at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center in the city of Downey. The program was funded through a grant from the Los Angeles Arts Commission. The Adult Visual Art Program was formed from the ground up, offering a variety of art classes and educational seminars.
Teaching these groups of physically challenged adults it has truly become my passion. It’s thrilling to help them discover that there’s no limit to their creativity, even for those who’ve never held a paintbrush or cannot even hold a paintbrush.
When a successful artist friend recently asked why I still teach art, don’t my other jobs support me? My rapid-fire answer came without a moment’s hesitation: Because it brings internal riches.
Honestly, there’s nothing more meaningful to my soul than knowing I’ve brightened a life, awakened a dormant talent or just provided escape time for someone in excruciating pain. Working with these diverse groups I don’t see limitations; I see beautiful results that bring hope, joy and aliveness to those who may have lost some of theirs along the way.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Art is never a smooth road; a little bumpy along the way is an understatement. However, struggles are always met with open eyes and a positive attitude. For example, in terms of running my business, I had to learn very early on that the client is always right. My Dad, also an entrepreneur, taught me this, but it never hit home until I started my own business.
Artists often think we know the best approach to creating and critiquing artwork. After years of study in University, learning answers to art’s Big Questions, all-encompassing egos often result. My biggest challenge has become releasing my own ego and getting into the minds of those who hire me. They are the visionaries; I’m just the body that will channel the work.
My standard policy is: If a client isn’t pleased I will repaint, no questions asked. I have to say, proudly, I’ve had a 100% success rate.
In terms of teaching, I would say my overall challenge is to never fit all students into the same box, especially in the visual arts. I’ve had to learn that each one is on their own journey, has their own goals and insecurities, all which are part of their creative experience.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
David Early Fine Art (DEFA) is a full-service art resource company catering to the needs of interior designers, architects, restaurants, hotels (corporate/private), special corporate events, large and small businesses, office spaces and private collectors.
Originated in France, today DEFA is located in Long Beach, California. DEFA specializes in, but is not limited to, the creation of custom site-specific original artwork: Murals, oil/acrylic paintings, works on paper, graphics, concept installations and decorative painting.
DEFA has a staff of talented artists, graphic artists, curators and installers working together whose sensibility and techniques help lend itself to virtually any client style and need. From the conceptual stages of design to the creation and installation of artwork, DEFA executes each project with extreme care, precision, and passion. The DEFA focus is very client, site, and budget specific.
I’m proud to say that I’ve continued to work with returning clients for years. We have a strong rapport and history of trust. It’s thrilling to constantly meet new clients with fresh ideas who entrust me with their visions.
There are two things that set my business apart from the rest: Quality and style diversity. I always say, if my name is behind the work, quality must come first, regardless of style.
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
That’s a tough question since there have been so many. I have to say, if a client breaks down and cries after viewing my work, I know I’ve done my job. And yes, that’s happened once or twice!
In terms of teaching, my proudest moment(s) are when my students ‘thank me’ for caring and taking time to teach them how to paint, draw or do printmaking. Warms my heart. I don’t remember thanking my college art teachers – now that I think of it, I wish I had!
Pricing:
- Mural Pricing = $35 per square foot average, but it does depend on the complexity of the design and style. Since all my work is site specific and each client has their own needs, it’s difficult to give any specific price quotes without an in-person walk through and discussion. Call for a quote.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2364 Cedar Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90806
- Website: davidearlyfineart.com and davidearlystudio.com
- Phone: 562 276 3420
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @earlyvue
Image Credit:
David Early
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