A Conversation With American Artist William McLure

William McLure moves comfortably between inventive interior designer and talented artist. He works on his own properties and constructs beautifully chic spaces that fit his extroverted personality with taste and sophistication. With his artwork, he operates with the very Renaissance-era concept of being commissioned to create, but you would be mistaken if you thought that this limited his creativity in any way. He achieves inspired imagination within the parameters of what his clients request and accomplishes an unwavering balance of structure, volume, and colour.

You often work with luxury interior design studios and Designed by Woulfe has previously commissioned you to create work for a beautiful Balearic villa. What does a commission proposal have to have for it to be successful?

There are three things that we need to create a successful commission. Naturally, the first thing we need is the size of the piece. Next, the colors that the client would like to be incorporated, as well as fabric swatches, if applicable. Lastly and arguably the most important is a basic understanding of the overall composition. This is the most difficult part for most people. Here in the studio we ask for 2 reference photos of previous works as well as what they like and dislike about the pieces. For example, “I like the bold black shapes, but instead of square shapes, could we make them rounder. I like the almond background, but can we not do as many sketch details.”€ At the end of the day, the more direction we are given, the better the commission goes for both parties.

Do you see social media as the future of promoting artists?

Social media is shifting the traditional art world. Social media gives artists control. Instagram is such a visual tool. It allows clients to easily find artists, and it gives artists a platform to list their contact information and pricing and website. All the information is there for everyone to see. It’s at millions or fingertips. There is no longer a need for artists to get representation galleries in return for 60% of their profit. Artists can post their art on Instagram and sell it themselves.

Designed By Woulfe has invited Tova Ossad of Ossad Art Management to interview a range of art world personalities. Her fifteen years’ experience working in this sphere has exposed her to many artists, auction specialists, art advisors, conservators, and gallerists, thereby giving the Design Journal fresh insight into the fundamentals of art. This series will explore buying, selling, appreciating, and everything in between.