In a flash, Christmas has come and gone. I received many presents that really stand out to me this year but one in particular is one that I will cherish for a very long time. It is the “2021 Cryptid Calendar” by American painter Timothy Wayne Williams.
According to his website, “Tim’s art cannot be easily defined. One may find Impressionist influences or light effects of the Dutch masters in his body of work.” All I know is that his paintings are amazing and would look great on anyone’s wall. He will on occasion even add hidden ghosts or even Bigfoot into his works. The result is the “2021 Cryptid Calendar,” which unfortunately, is now sold out.
We first became aware of the calendar thanks to the podcast WEIRD DARKNESS, hosted by Darren Marlar. Every month features a beautiful landscape with Bigfoot hiding somewhere within these painted worlds. All are somewhat of a challenge to find but by looking, you truly appreciate Williams’ work even more. If there is ever a month you cannot find, you can go to his website and click on the “I give up” page.
Even though the calendar is sold out, as of this writing there are still ten of the original paintings available to buy! To be honest, having one of these pieces of art would look wonderful for our house. Having guests over to look for Bigfoot would be a lot of fun. Believe me when I say it though, these paintings are not gimmicks; they are truly works of art with an added bonus!
Always learning and experimenting, Tim’s work continues to grow and evolve. Whether he is hiding Bigfoot in his landscapes or creating a mysterious pathway, his paintings draw you in and make you an active participant of the scene.
He describes himself as an eccentric romantic who is more at home at an easel or a recording studio than anywhere else. His influences are vast, including Rembrandt, Mary Cassatt, Norman Rockwell and Frederic Church. His fundamental goal for each piece is to combine drama, romance and mystery to set a mood and create beauty.
Tim was nice enough to sit down with me and do an interview!
David: Growing up, were you interested in things like cryptids and UFOs? If yes, what started this interest?
Tim: That’s easy, I remember the exact moment when I became interested in all things mysterious. My dad called me into the living room to show me the P/G film on “In Search Of.” Like a lot of people my age, it blew my mind. The thought of a real monster of some sort being real, shook me and shaped me for the rest of my life.
David: Were you artistic as a child?
Tim: I was pretty artistic as a child. I drew a lot. I was the youngest of three children so I was virtually invisible to my parents. I entertained myself most of the time. I had a very wild imagination. If you gave me a cardboard box, I was 100% convinced I would be able to make a working tank or something out of it…lol… I still stop dead in my tracks if I see a large box….I think of all the possibilities. I would say though, early on, I was more musically gifted. My brother bought a drum set that he had to leave at home when he went to college. By the time he returned for his first summer break, I was better than him. I think he’s still irritated by that…lol.
David: Your paintings are amazing as is. What made you decide to hide things like Bigfoot and ghosts into your paintings?
Tim: I started putting Bigfoot in my paintings just as some funny little thing for my own amusement. I was listening to a podcast about Bigfoot while working on a landscape. It inspired me to just put one deep in the background. I liked the idea of people buying my work and someday walking by it and just sort of noticing it. Maybe catching a glimpse out of the corner of their eye.
I’ve actually sold many paintings that I never revealed there was a Bigfoot in the piece. One day I was having a very slow art show and decided to ask people that stopped by my booth if they could find it in a couple of my pieces. It was more of a way to just keep them in my booth and looking around. I noticed people really enjoyed it so I started adding Bigfoot to most of my landscapes and telling people. Things really took off when I started posting them in bigfoot/paranormal Facebook groups.
I’ve been accused by some artist of coming up with this “gimmick” but there was never any master plan behind it. It was something I did for fun and it seems to have struck a cord with people.
David: Are your landscapes based on real places or are they just out of your head?
Tim: My landscapes used to be from some photo references. Over time, I found I did my best work just sitting down in front of a blank canvas and just start painting. No preconceived idea of what it will be. Sometimes I will just pick out three or four colors and see what i can do with them. This might sound weird or pretentious, but I kind of let the painting lead me. Like, I might lay a brush stroke down that looks like a rough mountain face; I then start building it from that. Sometimes it’s just the sky that leads me. I know, sounds weird. It’s hard to explain really. So, to answer that question more succinctly, not anymore. I just make them up as I go along.
David: What is your process on deciding where Bigfoot will be within the painting?
Tim: I always finish the painting first before I put the Bigfoot in. Sometimes I look for shadows that look a little like a figure and just “finish” him. I get people that complain that I make them too hard to find or too easy. I do both now. I almost always hide just one. If hide more, I will mention it up front in the post.
David: We discovered you and your calendar on the WEIRD DARKNESS podcasts, one of our favorites. Do you regularly listen to any podcasts and if you do, which ones?
Tim: I listen to lots of podcasts. My favorite is easily WEIRD DARKNESS. I’ve become friends with Darren over the years. He’s done a lot to help my career. I was honored to do a painting for his wife for their anniversary.
David: When painting, do you listen to anything? What do you prefer the most?
Tim: I listen to music or podcasts. Just whatever I’m in the mood for.
David: How long does each painting take to complete?
Tim: It takes about a week or so to do a painting. Just depends.
David: If people want to buy one of your paintings, how do they go about doing it?
Tim: My work can be bought through my website (www.twwilliamsart.com). Basically, if you are interested in a piece just email me for pricing. Most of my work in now less than 400.00 with Covid, and uncertainty, I’ve dramatically dropped my prices. I’m amazed I’m selling anything in these wretched times we are in right now. I also have some of my older works that are sold but can have prints made through Fine Art America just search my name and there are a lot of cool options. You can get my works on mugs, blankets, bags, all kinds of stuff. It’s really cool. A lot of the stuff on there doesn’t have bigfoot in it, some do though.
David: I probably will do another calendar for 2022. I will have to find a better distributor and a new printer.
I want to thank Tim again for participating in this blog! He’s a great artist that adds a touch of fun to his paintings. Don’t forget to check out the TIMOTHY WAYNE WILLIAMS: AMERICAN PAINTER OF THE ROMANTIC WORLD website.