One after another, visitors to The Art League Gallery this weekend stopped in front of the Best in Show award winner, pictured above, and said the same thing: “Is that really colored pencil?!” You might remember having a similar reaction in December when the same artist, Suzanne Vigil, had her exhibit of time- and pencil-consuming photorealistic portraits, “Up Close & Too Personal.”
For a quick look at Suzanne working in her studio, you can watch our December video here. Suzanne told us more about the art of portraiture, creating characters, and just how long these large portraits take to draw (hint: it’s a very long time). Read all about it in our Q&A, below:
What’s the story behind Home Grown?
I am beginning a series called “Labels.” I’ve always been intrigued when listening to authors relate how they develop a character and thought I’d apply this method to my drawings.
I began doing this young man, working primarily on the front of the face. My first thought was he might be a matador and wear a “traje de luces” (suit of lights). As I worked the eyes and furrowed brow I began to see a sadness. His story began to slowly emerge along with his facial characteristics. As I’m drawing, I’m thinking about his life experiences. Continue reading Q&A with Award Winner Suzanne Vigil
