Never Too Late

Written by Betsy O'Leary | Photos by Riyen Helg

Stanton White had a successful career, a beautiful family, and a vision of an unfulfilled future. This led him to hang up his suits and pick up a paint brush. The results are a stunning reminder that it is never too late to follow your dreams.

The journey to his Independence art studio was far from a direct route. Instead, the Hartselle, Alabama native meandered here after spending time in big cities like Philadelphia and New York City. In fact, he originally discovered the area while making frequent car trips from his Atlanta base to Houston, choosing Hammond as the perfect halfway stop on his jaunts.

Stanton found that he enjoyed the atmosphere of local hotspots like Benny’s, Mariners Inn, and the Crescent Bar so much that he and his partner Mary chose to settle on Black Cat Road in Independence where they raised their two children. He reports that they still proudly call their little corner of the boot “home.”

From Commercial Design to Portraiture

White graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Illustration and Design. He first earned a living as a layout artist for advertising agencies but quickly advanced to creative director in the entertainment industry dealing with merchandising licensing rights for celebrities.

Yet, his creative drive remained unfulfilled, until he finally quit the rat race. He took a series of jobs in the service industry, bartending and waiting tables, to keep the wolf from the door and to afford an easel and paints. Eventually, his efforts paid off. Word spread about the talented artist’s celebrity portraits that are so realistic that they look like photographs.

He sunk the profits from his portraits into an old building in downtown Independence. Originally erected in 1869, the building was in bad shape. With the roof missing, and trees growing up through the floor, it required gutting and structural supports to become the modern portrait studio where he creates his stunning art. During renovations his good friend and general contractor passed away and White took on the renovation project himself without using any architectural drawings. He called upon his technical background to sketch it out, using chalk to freestyle the clean design lines he wanted. His incredible vision can be seen in the details like metal ceiling tiles and exposed brick walls.

Realism and Abstract Impressionism

For the past 20 years, White has painted oil portraits on commission. Most are commissioned by private clients who want to gift a spouse or loved one with a portrait to hang in their home or office. His attention to detail makes the portraits highly representative of the subject. He good-naturedly pointed out that he still dabbles in mass appeal celebrity portraits such as The Beatles and Willie Nelson. “I actually don’t have many of the originals”, he shared with a smile. “I sold them to buy materials and I have the prints hanging in my studio. The prints are so good people really can’t tell the difference anyway.”

He likes the old-school style of using oils on canvas. White prefers sessions with live models but can also work from a photograph if necessary. He takes his time to get the composition just right, making sur e to allow sufficient time for the oils to dry before varnishing.

Stanton White is the go-to guy in Tangipahoa Parish to paint a timeless, heirloom-quality portrait for any occasion. Check out some of his stunning works on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.