Scottsdale Artists’ School: Did you always want to be an artist?
Matt Ryder: I think the answer is yes, I’ve always wanted to be an artist. However, it took me a long time to figure it out. My path was a bit unusual with multiple other occupations along the way. I committed fully to becoming a professional artist in my mid to late 30s and have worked extremely hard to get to where I am now.
SAS: How long have you been an instructor, and what do you look forward to most when teaching at Scottsdale Artists’ School?
MR: I began teaching in 2018. During the pandemic, I turned to online teaching, which opened my workshops to other students, which in turn led to my connection with the Scottsdale Artists’ School. In 2022, I taught both online and in-person workshops for the school and returned in February 2023. I am always so excited to teach at the school; the people are amazing, the students are always serious about improving their skills and everything is very well organized. I will be teaching again in May (online). Sign up at www.scottsdaleartschool.org.
Matt Ryder, Blue Sky Roses, oil on linen, 14 x 11" (35 x 27 cm)
SAS: How did the opportunity arise to teach at Scottsdale Artists’ School?
MR: SAS was at the top of my wish list for teaching! I was working to increase my presence both in galleries and as an instructor. All the best artists teach at SAS, and I had heard so many great stories about the school. I knew that they planned out their programming one to two years in advance, but figured I would take a chance and reach out to them with a proposal. After receiving a note that their schedule was already full, another instructor had to cancel, and I was asked on short notice to take their place. I jumped at the opportunity, put together a curriculum and booked a flight to Arizona. The workshop sold out immediately, and I solidified my role as a SAS instructor.
SAS: Could you share with us what inspired you to paint botanicals?
MR: I love painting reflective light that bounces. I figured this out from painting plein air in the desert and mountains of the United Arab Emirates where I live. I became obsessed with painting rocks. I paint from life a lot. I found that when I would set up roses lit by window light or photographed sunlit rose gardens, it was like the rock paintings in the way the light bounced and reflected. I found such joy in painting them. I’m mostly interested in the quality of light and composition. I love painting landscapes and florals equally.
Matt Ryder, Tread Carefully, oil on linen, 71 x 55" (180 x 140 cm)
SAS: You mention that you live in the UAE. Tell us about this.
MR: I moved to Dubai in 2005. I was 25 at the time, working an office job in the UK with really nothing to lose so figured I’d make a change. Fast forward 18 years and I’m still here! I built my career as an artist here. I met my wife here, and my two children were born in the UAE, so I have a lot to be thankful for. The art market here is challenging for my type of painting. I show in one gallery and teach private and small group workshops, but I predominantly exhibit and teach in the United States.
Matt Ryder, It’s All Sunlight and Roses, oil on linen, 20 x 20" (50 x 50 cm)
SAS: Selling your first painting is an achievement in an artist’s life. Can you describe the excitement you felt when it happened to you?
MR: I greatly appreciate every person who purchases one of my paintings. I am so grateful that someone invests their hard-earned money into something that has been created with just an idea and the artist’s hand. It’s a very special thing.We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without collectors. As an artist, I hope the person who buys my art experiences the same joy that I feel when painting each piece. I vividly remember the first painting sale I made in the United States—I was so worried about shipping I had a rush of great relief when it arrived safely, and the collector sent me a picture of it framed and hanging in their home.
SAS: When a person looks at your art what do you want them to feel?
MR: My desire is for people to connect with my paintings. This can happen through memory, color, texture or something else. The way I apply paint can appear loose and textured up close, however, when you step back it looks tighter and flatter. For me, this is what keeps a painting interesting. If my painting is hung on your wall, I hope that every time you walk past it you see a new brushstroke or a spot of color that you did not see before. I hope that it draws you in so that every time you see it you connect with it in a different way. —