Meet Lance Wilson: Artist, Author, and Tucson Music Super Fan

In this Super Fan interview, Lance shares how he got started painting musicians, what keeps him coming back to local shows, and how creativity — whether through art, music, or storytelling — can be both joyful and healing.

You’ve become such a familiar face at local shows. How did painting Tucson musicians first become part of your life?

I started sketching some dancers live at the Gratefulfest celebration in Flagstaff in 2023.  I had never painted people before and found it really fun. I think Amo Chip Dabney was the first musician I painted here, followed by Mario.

When you go to a local show, are you usually there with your sketchbook mindset on, or do certain nights just surprise you and spark an idea out of nowhere?

I take photos at local shows and then paint from the photo if something moves me to do so. If I was working from my memory, they would look like a Picasso! Ha!

What’s it been like handing a finished painting to a musician after a show? Any reactions or moments that really stayed with you?

Surprising musicians with paintings of them is the best part. I think the challenge of any artist – be it a musician, painter, poet, whatever, is getting an “Oh Wow”  expression from someone. I love when this happens. Here are some of my favorite expressions.

This is a photo of Ben, a former drummer with Goose, seeing my painting of Animal playing drums with them.

And, I love this one of Dylan and Franklin seeing my paintings of Bush League.

I also cherish this picture of Amo and I with his painting on a shirt.

I also like this picture of Cheese seeing the painting I did of him on a cymbal. 

Do you remember the first local Tucson band or show that made you realize this city’s music scene was something special?

I don’t, but I hardly remember yesterday!  It was most likely going to blues concerts at Monterey Court.

After spending so much time at shows, what keeps you coming back to Tucson’s local music scene as a fan?

The music and the people keep us coming back! I could rattle off ten or more bands we love but I would likely forget some so I won’t try that. And, our tribe is so much fun to be around.

Along with painting, you’re also an author. What first pulled you toward writing, and how does that creative process differ from making visual art?

It is funny to think that I actually published two books when I don’t consider myself to be a writer. The idea for my first book came probably 20 years ago as I observed people dealing with adversity in an interesting and healthy way. I started jotting down events I observed and decided to turn it into a book as I didn’t want those stories to go to my grave with me. And, I also wanted to give a shout out to the many people who served as good role models for me.

My second book is one of fiction and that one was closer to painting as I felt like I had total freedom on a blank page just like I do when starting a blank canvas.

Your book A Wizard’s Guide to Family Recovery centers on healing through story. Do you see music and art playing a similar role in people’s lives?

I absolutely believe music and art can play a very positive role in healing. Anytime we engage in a creative process, it can be healing as long as we don’t take ourselves or the outcome too seriously. I find the process as rewarding as the final outcome. I also firmly believe that we all need to have something we do purely for fun. I have been blessed to be able to treat my art in that way. 

For folks discovering you through Tucson Local Bands, where can they find your books and learn more about what you’re working on these days?

A WOW! Moment

As Lance shared above, he’s not one for marketing or self-promotion — we’d call that being genuinely humble. While learning more about him, we came across a moment that perfectly captures who Lance is and how his art often takes on a life of its own.

In September, Lance gifted a painting he created of Animal from the Muppets playing drums with the band Goose, with no expectations attached. The painting later made its way into a silent auction to raise money for a nonprofit supporting women dealing with breast cancer — and the entire band signed it.

In a full-circle moment, Lance’s wife Joy surprised him by buying the piece back, returning it home after it had helped raise funds for a good cause. The painting came back not just as artwork, but as a symbol of generosity, community, and the unexpected ways art can travel.

At the heart of it, Lance’s story is a reminder that the Tucson music scene isn’t just built by the people on stage — it’s shaped by the community around them. The fans who listen closely, show up often, and find their own creative ways to give back.

Whether he’s surprising a musician with a painting, chasing that perfect “Oh wow” moment, or working through a new creative goal just for the fun of it, Lance brings generosity, humor, and heart to everything he does. And that spirit is a big part of what makes Tucson’s music community feel like home.

To learn more about Lance’s books, visit www.lanceswilson.com, or check out Joy’s Etsy shop at Etsy.com/shop/StarvedRaccoon. And if you happen to spot Lance at a show — say hi. You might just end up immortalized on canvas. 🎶🎨🌵