How a Lifelong Artist Combines Creativity, Philosophy, and Live Painting to Inspire Connection and Wonder. A conversation with JD Miller.
JD Miller’s journey is one of transformation, dedication, and creative mastery. Beginning with ceramics during college, where he specialized in salt glazing and kiln construction, he later discovered oil painting—a medium that revealed a life’s purpose. With over 25 years of experience and 15 years as a full-time professional artist, his work reflects a deep commitment to growth and the universal principles of art.
Guided by the philosophy of Reflectionism, which emphasizes love and gratitude as the highest vibrations, his art is imbued with meaning and intention. He effortlessly blends his passion for painting with performance, captivating audiences through live events, including the renowned Valentine’s Day live painting showcase presented by Samuel Lynne Galleries. This year, on February 14th, JD Miller will once again take the stage for this special performance, celebrating the 10th anniversary of his iconic live painting event at the gallery.
From the layered richness of his oil paintings to the meditative immediacy of his Zen Acrylics, JD's work embodies both discipline and spontaneity. Whether creating monumental public commissions or intimate studio pieces, he approaches each project with reverence and purpose. Grounded by rituals of gratitude and meditation, as an artist he continues to inspire connection, reflection, and awe through their artistry.
Tell us about your journey how did you become an artist?
I began my journey as an artist in college, where I studied art, and music as a double major. My concentration was ceramics where I did high fire pottery. We actually built huge gas kilns from the ground up and I wound up specializing in salt glazing. It wasn’t until quite a few years after college that I was introduced to oil painting. I knew from the first time I put a brush to the canvas that that was what I was put on this planet to do. I spent the next 10 years studying the techniques of the master and perfecting my craft. I have been a full-time professional artist now for 15 years and have never looked back.
What are the most challenging aspects of your work?
Painting has always been an effortless experience for me. My greatest challenge has been to fine-tune the natural gifts I was given and apply the universal concepts of art that enable me to take it to a higher level. It is no accident that certain works of art wind up in museums and major collections. I have spent my life studying those principles so that I may be the absolute best artist I am capable of being.
What role does ART play in your performances?
I spent my early years performing as a professional musician. I’ve always loved the stage and enjoy the opportunity to perform before a live audience. It made sense when I became a professional artist to combine my love of performance with my love of painting. I enjoy the challenge of starting with a blank canvas and completing an entire work of art while people watch. There is always an element of suspense because I never know quite how the painting will wind up and I like that challenge.
Can you tell us more about the Zen acrylic? How does it differ from your other work?
Most of my work is done in oil, a rich and flowing medium that lends itself beautifully to creating depth and dimension. Acrylic, on the other hand, offers a completely different experience. Initially, I used acrylics for field sketches while traveling, but over time, I began exploring them more intentionally in the studio. While acrylic can feel more two-dimensional and less forgiving than oil, I’ve come to appreciate its unique qualities. This is especially true when creating my Zen Acrylics—small, seemingly effortless studies that are deceptively complex. These pieces are born in the peaceful, meditative atmosphere of my studio, where the quick-drying nature of acrylics enables an immediacy that contrasts with the patient, layered process of working with oil.
Talking about Saint Valentine how does the concept of reflectionism fit with a theme of love?
Reflectionism is a philosophy based on the law of attraction. In other words, what you put out energetically as a human being is literally reflected by the universe. As Reflectionist, we seek to emanate the higher vibrations of being rather than those that are considered lower and negative. There is no higher vibration than Love and it is ultimately what all my art is about I believe that love combined with gratitude are the fundamental keys to happiness both as a human being and as an artist
As this is the 10th anniversary of your Valentine’s Day live painting event what does this milestone mean to you?
I have been painting now for 25 years and have performed live for most of that journey. 10 years ago, we decided to make an annual event that could be executed on a grand scale. We had a custom stage and lighting system built just for that annual event and it is exciting to see how it has grown. It is amazing how fast time goes by and it is sometimes hard to believe that it has been 10 years as it seems like it was yesterday when we did the first show. Now I am looking forward to the next 10 years and onward.
Do you have a ritual before stepping into a live painting session?
Yes. I do my best to spend the day of the performance relaxing and being grateful for the opportunity to do something so special and fun. I believe in meditation and right before the performance I go into a room by myself and sit for 10 to 15 minutes to calm my mind and ask the universe to guide my hands during the performance. I find that it lets me be calm and centered so that I can create a more memorable experience for the audience.
What is the project you are most proud of?
That is a tough question. I have had the privilege of being involved in many projects and special commissions, so it is hard to single out one that stands above the rest. I guess if I had to choose it would be a large-scale diptych that I created for the $450 million renovation of the historic National building in downtown Dallas. They challenged me to create two 180‘ x 84‘ side-by-side canvases for their lobby and it was a wonderful challenge to paint something on that scale for such a high profile public space. Just the sheer volume of paint I had to use was daunting as it took over 300 tubes of oil to complete. Because I paint wet-in-wet I had to complete both canvases in one marathon session. Between going up and down the ladders hundreds of times and moving that much paint around physically I was sore for weeks afterward. It was a fantastic experience.