Meet the cover artist: Brady Carlson

Brady Carlson, this week’s cover artist, is a sophomore at Michigan State University studying creative advertising and graphic design. Carlson, 19, has only pursued art as a hobby for four years, but has developed a distinct abstract water color aesthetic. Though his work uses bright and bold colors that might appear simple at a first glance, it often include hidden layers and subtleties requiring more careful observation.

Tell us about this week’s cover piece “Numerous Faces.”

I made it a couple of years ago, and I just really enjoyed using lots of colors and lines. It was more so an abstract piece, but there’s still hidden faces you can see in the painting.

What inspires you to sit down at the canvas and paint?

Anything really, because I think life imitates art. I can be influenced from anything, but I think a big part of why I’m so into art is because of my mother. She’s always been into art and pushing me to do things — exposing me to art shows, artists and things like that.

What are some of your inspirations or influences?

Just lots of colors, and watercolor artists.

I enjoy abstract things too, as well as landscapes.

Is watercolor your favorite medium? I’d say it’s probably one of my favorite mediums, because I like how the colors can just mix and flow, compared to acrylic and things like that.