Matt Haddaway

About Me

Matt's love of the tropics was instilled in him at birth. Born in Key West, Florida, he was exposed to gentle trade winds, aquamarine water and swaying palm trees at an early age. But the island lifestyle was short-lived. The son of a Navy chief, his family soon moved to Virginia Beach and has been here ever since. Here, he may have had to give up palm trees, but he loves still being surrounded by surf and sand.

He also discovered a love of art at an early age, often impressing his teachers with his drawings, even if some of them were doodles done when he should have been paying attention. His parents enrolled him in the Old Donation School for the Gifted and Talented, where he would spend a few hours each week honing his skills. During his teenage years Matt discovered acrylics with the help of a private tutor. He has grown to love the medium and has worked exclusively with it for several years, creating wonderful blends and vibrant colors.

In the mid-90s Matt made his first trip back to Key West, and it rekindled his love affair with the tropics that naturally started showing up in his paintings. "I've always loved the beach and ocean, but didn't paint them much until after going back to Key West. When I got back home, it was like something clicked in my brain. Now I can't imagine painting anything other than the beauty of the ocean and beach environment."

Matt's paintings often have a "you are here" perspective. They invite the viewer to sort of step inside and enjoy the view. "My paintings are an escape. I often imagine myself in the environment that I'm creating. I love to hear people comment about wanting to be there. Conveying that feeling of escaping makes me smile."

Matt has been to several places in the Caribbean gathering inspiration for his paintings. "I don't get to travel as much as I'd like, but when I do, the images stay with me forever giving me instant inspiration when I think about them."

In his free time, Matt also enjoys photography. Some of his paintings are created from photographs he has taken, and a beach shot he captured even appeared on the cover of a local magazine. Of course, one of his favorite activities will always remain spending time in or near the water. He's at the beach almost daily during the warmer months. When the waves cooperate, you can find him on a boogie board, or occasionally, a surfboard. "I'm a horrible surfer because I'm still learning, but I've been boogie boarding for several years. It's so cliché to say, but when you're out there surfing, you forget about all the cares of the day and can relax and enjoy the calming effects of the ocean. Very inspirational."