"The Orchard", Doug Moulden on Sept 5, 2026. (Maya Bryant/The Commuter)
FREDERICK, MD: On Sept. 5, local artist Doug Moulden shared his unique combination of 2D and 3D art in “Painted Sculptures”, a limited exhibit at the Visual and Performance Arts Center.
At a table near the front door sat small tidbits of food such as croissant sandwiches, pieces of fruit and vegetables, along with bottles of wine for all the guests to enjoy.
Before the attendees browsed the art gallery, Moulden shared a few words about his background, inspirations, and developing artistic abilities.
He’s originally from Washington, D.C. where he grew up as an artist, specifically interested in 2D art. He attended the Coracan School of Arts and Design & Virginia Commonwealth University, graduating in 1981 with a BFA in sculpture. During his time there, he enjoyed painting his sculptures, combining two loves of acrylic painting and cultivating clay.
After becoming a full-time artist in 1996, he began participating in multiple art showings across the northeast. He eventually settled in Frederick with his family when his first son was born due to its closeness to Baltimore and Washington D.C., which he called “lousy places to live”.
His artistic process includes using various paints and carving into the pieces with knives, combs, and other unusual materials to create his unique pieces. Moulden’s artistic inspirations derive from Van Gogh, Henri Matisse, and Picasso. Each sculpture has its own exceptional story attached.
Many of Moulden’s painted sculptures drew viewers in with bold colors and unique brushwork, such as his piece “The Chapel”, which was created using a paint-filled syringe, creating the tiniest of details. His paintings truly capture the likeness of ‘real life’ landscapes, from dark trees in a snowy forest to a bright, colorful fields full of flowers. Each piece ranges in price, from $950 to $4,300.
In conversation with The Commuter, he expands on his value of originality. After working laborious jobs, he says that being an artist gave him “freedom”.
Moulden admits that “it’s hard to be original” when it comes to art. However, Moulden’s art is nothing short of original and is incredibly innovative. “Painted Sculptures” allows the viewers to experience and step into the image presented using its 3D elements and entrancing use of colors.
