STATEMENT
Haywood paints the real Kentucky. His artwork wallows in the stereotypes and pays tribute to lifestyles that make Kentucky and Appalachia one of the most unique and celebrated places in the entire world. The paintings tell stories of hell raising hillbillies, hardened mine workers, mountain musicians, and more.
“I feel my background allows me to incorporate varied Kentucky experiences into my work. I also intend not to depict a romantic or watered down version of this life. I create my pieces from my experience or the situations of those close to my heart, with an element of story telling. Someone once called me the “white trash” painter. I didn’t quite know how to take that. I portray real people both good and shady, all trying to make a life for themselves and their families however they have chosen to do it. I see beauty in that, something to be respected.”
Writers and critics have referred to Haywood as being a folk artist, but what you get with Haywood is a mixture of folk art and classical painting. The images come straight from his head but with a very sophisticated understanding of color, space, and composition. He focuses on the impact of the image, arranging his characters like actors on a stage.
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