Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Dahlstrom.
Hi Justin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am the artist Just Dahl. I was the middle child of two brothers and a sister. When I was young, my parents collaborated on small works of art and sold them through small boutiques in the suburbs of Chicago. I am thankful they brought us downtown to see the collection at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Winters in Chicago are harsh, so to escape the snow and ice they would take the whole family down to the Sandcastle Resort on Lido Beach in Sarasota. I fell head over heels in love with the warm waters of the gulf. As a young adult, I went into digital art and graphic design, starting my own company in my 20s.
Fast forward a few decades from the first time I set eyes on the white sand beaches of Florida, I relocated to Pensacola and picked up a paintbrush for the first time. I was encouraged by my older brother, who is a brilliant painter himself, and after the first painting, I fell in love with the process.
Over the last four years, I’ve created over 1,600 unique paintings inspired by Florida beaches and wildlife.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road of my life has not been smooth, that’s for sure! I left home at 15, married at 28, and raised a daughter. My brothers, sister, and extended family are all so supportive of my art career, but my daughter encourages me the most.
When I started my journey as a painter, I compared myself to other artists and wondered… can I really make a living doing this? But I just kept working on it to develop my skills in different techniques.
Thanks to my background in digital art and graphic design, I came into painting with a deep understanding of how color evokes emotions and sets the scene for my viewers to escape into. When I started selling at local markets and art shows, I had to figure out what would sell.
I put my heart and soul into my art and I hope it shows.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I work in acrylic on canvas. I started off painting tiny beaches on small canvases – smaller than a deck of cards – and loved adding the little details. As time went on, my work started getting bigger, and I started painting flamingos.
Why flamingos? I’m not sure how it started, but today I love adding unique details that give each flamingo I paint a distinct personality. I am most proud of my drive to keep creating. I refuse to sit still, and I always want to challenge myself! I paint anything related to beaches or marine life.
I’m known for the tiny details in my tiny paintings. And all my paintings are full of saturated color; I’ve been told that this reflects my colorful personality!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Running a business solo can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to have all the answers to get started.
My advice is to strike up a conversation with vendors at local markets or other art shows, even if their product is completely different from what you are creating. I’ve built a great network here in Pensacola who all support each other in the most positive ways.
To keep myself primed for creativity, I take in the sunshine and amazing views during my beach days, visit museums to study the brush strokes of the old masters, and crank my music loud. Get out of your own head, pick up your paintbrush, and just paint! That’s my best advice for anyone starting their own creative journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://justdahl.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justdahl_artist/
- Other: https://www.behance.net/justindahlstrom
