Today we’d like to introduce you to Ron Throop.
Hi Ron, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I began an expressionist career as an autobiographical writer, revering the American masters Henry Thoreau, Walt Whitman, and Henry Miller. The latter would paint whenever the writing blocked his freedom. I too found this to be very helpful. When I write, I am tight. When I paint, I am light. Painting is never frustrating. However, writing is a lot like bricklaying. It is linear, and sure, there is a place for that in my psyche, but it must make room for physical play and sur- prise. I can express so much more in a painting, especially one with a pertinent title. Kenneth Patchen did this with what he called “picture poems”. He is worth looking up to get more of an idea about my beginnings. For pay I worked many jobs in the restaurant business as a cook and chef. I also tutored at home both of my daughters until their teenage years, and then enrolled them in school. My children came first, always, so my lust for expression (which is terribly
strong), often sat on the back burner until it boiled over. In my early 30’s I began to nurture it into a regular regimen. Found a feel and haven’t looked back. No more line cooking for me.
Today, writing and painting are ways to express my non-existentialism. I practice painting to perfect my limitations. It’s important that I tell the truth to the universe so it will be honest with me. I used to exhibit at every opportunity, and will continue to do so, as long as I can choose the paintings to show, and don’t have to pay for the installation. Nowadays, I focus so much on making the art. Who has time to plan and design an exhibition when painting is of the utmost importance? There are professional gallerists. They can come to me. I’m easy to find on the Internet.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The greatest personal struggles in my life involved time and money, and they’re practically the same thing. You need both for art. Take this quote by Ray Davies:
“Art takes time
Time is Money
Money’s Rare
And that ain’t funny.”
Happily, at this point in my life, I have secured them both. A lot of time, and just enough money to hover slightly above the United States poverty threshold. Works for me!
Another quote. This one from Walden by Henry David Thoreau (my 11x Great cousin):
“If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.”
I am obsessed with painting. No one, not even the people who love me the most, appear to understand that. All power to the imagination. How could I ever stop?
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an intuitive painter working with an uncommon desire toward self-liberation, yet also communion. I am in the world and out of it depending on my mood for the day, painting daily to discover and hold onto natural rhythms. Rarely do I draw with any instruments besides the paintbrush, palette knife and oily fingers, and change style often because I am hungry for originality. Artistically, I strive to perfect my limitations.
I work in acrylic and oil, and will paint on any surface I can afford. I love big, stretched canvases, however lately, storage has become an issue. At present, I lean toward loose canvas and good paper, as uniform in size as possible, so they can be labeled, boxed up, and stored for posterity and future fame. For me, color, expression, freedom of the brushstrokes, and prolific output is tantamount to my success as an artist.
I am also a contributor in the Stuckist Art Movement and have published a book about Stuckism for its 25th anniversary. According to its founder, Charles Thomson, I am the leading U.S. figure of the movement.
I am also an artist and promoter of “Free Art Frees Art” begun by friend and fellow painter, Edgeworth Johnstone of London, UK.
I paint every day. If I need to take a day off, I produce twice as many paintings to make up the difference.
In 2025, I made a full length documentary movie about painting, “Saving Stuckism: A to Zed”. My second movie is in the works and will be complete in late 2027.
I have written and published over two dozen books on art, philosophy, society and culture.
My latest project is a doozy. I will make 20,000 18 x 24″ paper paintings over the next 20 years, in addition to my other art projects, writing and painting.
I have more self assurance than pride. Yes, even with all the frequent doubt, sometimes unbearably depressing doubt, I manage to keep a strong faith in the future. I have my health and let it lead me outside my comfort zone. I am very easy going with my uneasiness.
I am also an Advocate personality. I like to see other artists do well. I host gallery exhibitions for international painters I know and like. I’ve shown work of over 50 artists living in 9 countries.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
My work puts forth a certain level of assertiveness, yet in person, I am congenially shy. The canvas is my inner voice expressed to all and sundry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ronthroopartist.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronthroop/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ronthroop
- Other: https://falseconsensus.substack.com/
