TIMOTHY EATON-KOCH 09 IL

Timothy Eaton-Koch Illustration

Based in Riverside, CT

How does your current creative practice tie into your time spent at RISD?

I have always enjoyed painting buildings and architecture in my work. I was very fortunate to spend a full academic year studying and working in Rome at the RISD European Honors Program at the Piazza Cenci. I truly did live in a museum for nine months. I learned about the architects, designers, and monarchs who built, rebuilt, and repurposed Rome since its founding. Today, part of my work is painting watercolor renderings of proposed buildings to real estate development interests, branding agencies, and architects. My time spent in Rome sketching and observing the rich architecture and built environment helped me along the way.

What are some of the most important practices for your creative process?

I really enjoy being able to create imagery or artwork that someone can relate to and even smile.  When I deliver a commission or finished piece of artwork to a client, and they’re face lights up with excitement, which makes me feel great.   I take pride in being able to create a unique work of art or design that the client cannot find by just doing a photo search on the web.  The same can be said for my architectural renderings – I enjoy helping a client imagine what a finished building or landscape will look like when completed.

How have you dealt with the challenge of maintaining a creative practice that feeds your soul but also helps pay the bills?

I’m fortunate to be able to teach art as well as work professionally in my studio. I’m a part time Visual Art teacher at Stamford High School in Stamford, CT. My typical day starts with two or three high school art classes in the morning and then I work in the studio on a painting or commissioned piece in the afternoon. Although this requires a lot of planning, I appreciate being able to get out and interact with students on a daily basis. Leaving the work while I teach forces me to step back and reevaluate on my return. Add to that, my students can add some comic relief on days when I’m not fully engaged in painting.

Any recent press, exhibitions, achievements or awards you’d like to share with us?

The Louisa Gould Gallery on Martha’s Vineyard is representing my Vineyard inspired fine art landscapes for exhibition and sale for the 2019 season. In addition, The Ocean House Resort in Watch Hill, RI is featuring my Plein Air artwork during the weekend of July 13-14 where I will be painting on the resort grounds. I will also return to Ocean House September 21-22 to illustrate in Plein Air the RI & CT Unified Sports Special Olympics Croquet Tournament.

To see more of Timothy’s work, visit www.teekartworks.com