TL;DR
- Tay’s Wood Art creates glossy acrylic paintings on custom-cut wood, often featuring vintage cars and cropped detail views.
- Early inspiration came from an ocean-focused art experience in Laguna Beach, influencing color and subject matter.
- Each piece is planned for shape and flow, then finished with a high-gloss coat for depth and shine.
- High-quality printing and product expansion supports growth beyond originals while maintaining quality.
Meet Tay’s Wood Art
Tay’s Wood Art began as a love of drawing and painting rooted in ocean inspiration. A first-grade visit to a Wyland gallery in Laguna Beach sparked a fascination with large-scale work and the ability for art to command attention. What started as a hobby eventually became a full-time career built through passion, consistency, and an intentional brand.
Today, Tay’s work is instantly recognizable: acrylic paintings on wood, shaped and cut to complement the subject, then finished with a glossy coat that enhances color and shine from every angle. Many pieces highlight vintage cars, often zooming in on a specific section to enlarge and celebrate small details that most people would miss.
Because Tay often enlarges a specific section of a subject, cropping and final sizing matter. This guide can help artists plan detail-based prints: Print Sizes, Borders, and Cropping
The Interview
Can you tell us a bit about your journey as an artist? What sparked your interest in art?
My artistic journey began at a very young age. In first grade, my dad took me to a Wyland art gallery in Laguna Beach, and from that moment, I was captivated. I started creating and drawing everything inspired by the ocean, and my love for painting took root. What began as a simple hobby has evolved into a full-time career.
Who are your biggest artistic influences, and how have they shaped your work?
Robert Wyland has been an influence ever since I first visited his gallery. I was captivated by his large-scale murals. As I embarked on my own journey, I found myself increasingly inspired by Werner Bronkhorst. His use of unique materials and his ability to build a brand online influenced how I approach both art and business today.
Could you describe your creative process? How do you typically begin a new piece?
My process is more intuitive than linear. I want each piece to be more than a painting on wood. I start by gathering inspiration online to decide on the subject of my next work. Many pieces feature vintage cars, and when I have a specific car in mind I like focusing on certain sections, like a close-up of the front or back, to highlight the details.
Then I choose the wood size and cutout shape to best showcase the artwork so it flows naturally and stands out. Creating a piece that captivates from every angle takes a lot of planning.
What are some key tools or materials you use in your work and why are they important to you?
Wood is the primary material in all of my pieces and it’s the foundation of my branding and style. I prefer acrylic paints for their versatility and vibrant results. To complete each piece, I apply a glossy finish to enhance the colors and give the wood a polished shine.
What has been the most challenging phase of your career? How did you overcome it?
The most challenging phase has been building my career from the ground up. Developing a brand is complex and requires balancing being an artist with being a small business owner. I’ve had to learn most of it on my own, relying on self-motivation and an intense passion for the work.
Can you share a particularly memorable moment in your artistic career?
A memorable milestone was selling out my first set of originals. The first five paintings I created were intended for my apartment, I never planned to sell them. When they all sold, it gave me the confidence to pursue art professionally.
What advice would you give to artists trying to gain more exposure for their work?
Leverage social media. For me, it was the key factor in launching my career. A great product matters, but without effective marketing, sales can be challenging. My background in marketing helped me understand how to reach the right audience.
What upcoming projects are you excited about?
I’m focusing on commissions and becoming more selective about the custom paintings I take on, choosing projects that align with my brand. Many of these commissions feature iconic vintage cars, which is a theme I’m especially passionate about.
Printing with The Stackhouse
How has working with The Stackhouse Printery impacted your work or opened new opportunities for you?
Working with The Stackhouse has had a significant impact on my business. It’s allowed me to expand the range of products I offer beyond originals while maintaining quality. The Stackhouse makes it possible for my print products to feel as intentional and polished as my original work.
What do you think about the role of technology, like high-quality art printing, in today’s art world?
Technology is rewarding for artists because it creates income opportunities without requiring the time it takes to create every original from scratch. Selling prints and other products can be essential for growth.
If you’re expanding from originals into reproductions, this guide helps you choose the right format for your work: Guide: Choosing Product Type
Ready to create museum-quality reproductions? Giclée Fine Art Prints
