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

Hi Matt, how do you think about risk?
I’m a British artist living In Dubai, without taking risks in my career I would’t have made it out to Arizona to both show my work and teach my techniques to American students. I think as artists we take a risk the second we decide this is the career path we choose, and that needs to continue throughout. Ultimately without risk there is no reward and I always keep that in mind when looking to the future.

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’m a realist painter that focuses on landscape painting and florals. I work with oils predominantly both in the studio and outdoors. I am based in Dubai, UAE which can make it difficult when working with the US in terms of logistics, but at heart I’m a desert painter so I follow where the desert and mountains take me and up to this point al roads have led to Arizona. The more I establish myself in the US the more I understand that it doesn’t matter where in the world you are, if you have the commitment, ambition and drive to succeed then the world becomes a lot smaller.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m really just discovering Arizona myself but Scottsdale has been amazing. I painted out in a few locations but Superstition mountain was incredible. I have met some wonderful locals during my time here and recommend anyone who comes through to visit does the same. Understand the people and the culture of where you visit and you’ll get the best experience from your stay, at least that’s what worked for me.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A big shout out to my wife and family who have supported my crazy ideas from the start, without them I wouldn’t have been able to do the things I have. A special mention also to Raymar panels in Phoenix, Scottsdale artists school and Medicine man gallery in Tucson, these three supporters are the reason I’m here in Arizona today

Website: www.ryderscanvas.com

Instagram: Mattryder

Facebook: Matt Ryder – artist

Other: Ryderscanvas@gmail.com

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