Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Shan: ” My name is Shannon (“Shan”) Fannin and I currently work and live in Austin, Texas, USA. I am an artist who brings vehicles to life with a mix of photorealism and abstraction.”

When did you start creating art?
Shan: “I started in October 2014 and became a professional artist February 2015.”

What kind of art do you create?
Shan: “I create my paintings using my fingers, palms, and brushes. I use Liquitex, Golden, Derivan Matisse, and A’telier Acrylics
Vehicles: Classic/racing cars, motorcycles, planes, scooters, trains, and other forms of transportation. I paint them because we can all identify with a vehicle in our lives. I love the stories that vehicles tell, and how we all have one to share. Vehicles are rolling sculptures with a story. My job is to portray them onto canvas and encourage my viewer to share why that vehicle resonates with them.”

Did you study art or are you self-taught?
Shan: ” took a few art classes in 2012-2013 (Drawing 1, Painting, 1, and Life Drawing 1-3). No degree. I let my easels be my teacher.”

Hobby or career?
Shan: “I am a professional artist since February 2015.”

Fun Facts?
Shan: “I have run 33 half marathons (training for #34 & #35 now), and 6 marathons since 2012. Before I was an artist, I was a Corporate Marketing Director, had a State-licensed Daycare from my home, and homeschooled our kiddo for 16yrs before they started college early. Now, I want to create fine art for ME.”

Have you exhibited your art work?
Shan: ” Yes, I’ve done quite a few, including 3 solo exhibitions.
Details on these can be found at:
https://www.shanfannin.com/curriculum-vitae

What kind of materials do you use?
Shan: “Fine art acrylics (Liquitex, Golden, Derivan Matisse, and Chroma A’telier).”

What are your favourite artists?
Shan: ” Matisse (my favorite), Chagall, Kandinsky, Modigliani (big fan of Fauvism).”

Shan: “I work from my home studio and often work on 3-5 pieces as a time. This allows me to move to a different painting should I get (a) frustrated or (b) bored. I am a messy painter working with my fingers, palms, and brushes. I wear worn hospital scrubs or overalls so I can smear paint on them when I’m done with a color. I sign my paintings “Shan” so that my viewer does not know if I am a man or woman. I often hear: “Oh! I thought you were a man as you painted a car!”. I love showing that a woman, especially a 50+ year old woman, can paint beautiful vehicles. Although I’ve only been a professional artist 8yrs (in Feb 2023), my goal is to be one of the finest vehicle artists in the world.”

Connect with Shannon Fannin
shan@shanfannin.com
www.shanfannin.com
www.facebook.com/artbyshanfannin
www.instagram.com/shanfannin
www.youtube.com/shanfannin