Megan Trueblood finds beauty in the familiar and the everyday, her work is meant to inspire peace and provide a respite from the chaos of our busy lives. She is interested in the interaction of color and the use of negative space, and explores both in her detailed, luminous oil paintings. 

Trueblood says, “I paint ordinary objects that are present in my home and part of my family life. Often, as I make dinner or play with my children, an object will beautifully catch the light, and I’ll snap a quick photo to paint later in my studio. Much of my work is inspired by those small moments with my family. I want my paintings to feel clean and simple—the stillness and simplicity resonates with my quiet, introverted soul. I like to think it can bring the same feeling of calm to others. Many lead busy, loud, chaotic lives these days and I hope my paintings can be a little escape for them as well.”  

Megan received her BFA from Brigham Young University, where she has also taught as an adjunct professor. 

Q:   Have you always painted with oil paint or have you experimented with other painting mediums? What makes you continue working in oil?

A:  Oil paint was my primary medium when I was at school getting my BFA, but I have worked in and experimented with most mediums. I have gone through different phases in my art over the years and loved using acrylic when I worked on abstract art, because I loved how I could layer paint and not have to wait weeks in between for drying time. Watercolors were great during the years when I had babies and my time was very limited. I always go back to my oils, because I love the smooth feel of the paint and being able to work for days into paint that is still wet. I love the richness of oils and the luscious texture even after the paint dries. 

Q:  Do you have a favorite painting tool or object in your studio?

A:  I have a large collection of different brushes, but I also use pallet knives to apply paint and create rich textures. I love playing with different mark making, so I use other tools such as spatulas, credit cards, rollers and any other random tools that I think might be fun to explore with. 

Q:  Can you take us through your painting process? For instance, do you work from sketches and studies or photographs? How do you decide on the palette you’re working with?

A:  I do most of my work at night, but I love the softness of natural light, so I set up and photograph all my reference photos. I have a big collection of images to pull from, but I’m always taking new pictures as I get new ideas or find inspiring subject matter. 

From there I prep my panel, roughly drawing in the image and making sure it feels balanced before I begin painting. I work in the “alla prima” approach, which in Italian translates to “at first attempt”. I love the freshness of this method and that I am able to work wet paint into wet paint rather than doing one layer at a time and waiting for layers to dry in between paint sessions.

Q:  When did you know you wanted to be an artist?

A:  I think it was such a natural choice because I have been doing art my whole life. Growing up with creative parents meant I was always encouraged to draw, paint and create. When I learned that I could major in art, it was an easy decision. 

A:  Do you have a favorite piece in the collection you created for Set the Table? 

Q:  I collect vintage china and I have been wanting to make a series of plated food. This show was the perfect place to explore that concept. I featured plates from my collection in these works and I love how they turned out.