AN INTERVIEW WITH Thea - =Bereaved


Why would you say you are an artist? What inspires you to draw?

Up to now I wouldn't say I'm an artist. I'm learning a trade to become an artist one day. Like a musician who has to learn how to play an instrument before he starts composing.


When did you first take your art seriously and why?

Since I had visited a school for graphic design. A tutor struck up a conversation with me about scientific graphic arts. He believed in me.


We noticed your gallery is mostly made up of portraiture. What inspires you to draw this subject over all others?

The people I draw of course. Seriously, when you do photo-realistic portraits the challenge is to capture an expression. But there are so many other things I'd like to draw that I'll probably move on. The thing is, an interesting face is always catching.


Your drawings are exceptionally realistic. Do you use a grid, or do you work freehand, and why?

A mixture of both. Some pieces were totally freehand.


Many of us would love to know how you are able to able to archive such fine, bright whites (the crisp, clean highlights) in contrast with all the lovely darks of your drawings, and we are dying to know how you achieve such smooth graphite skin tones. Care to divulge any trade secrets? ^__~

I always work in layers. I do a base layer for the skin and everything in 3H, then getting darker with each layer and always using a tissue to smooth it. It might depend on the paper whether it is a good way to work or not. To me it is important to work on a size which makes it possible to draw all the little details. I don't have any secrets ^_^ I just invest a lot of time in drawing all those little things!


Do you have any specific material suggestions for fellow graphite artists, such as favorite pencils, erasers, or preferred types of paper?

Not really. Different styles - different tools. But I prefer mechanical pencils.


Regarding references: Do you prefer working from photos or from real life, and why?

Depends on the things you'd like to draw. For very detailed work I prefer photos. But I also like to sketch things surrounding me.


Have you had any formal art training? Do you feel it is necessary or important to have formal training?

Yes, I have. During the time I visited an art school. I can say it was helpful to learn certain working processes. But I've also met a lot of people who never had any formal training and still achieved amazing results. In my opinion a good eye and a huge portion of talent can substitute formal training.


What is the hardest thing for you to draw?

Blonde curled hair! And some materials like cardigans or fur. Concerning nature it's very hard for me to draw grass and of course water.


Do you ever create drawings on a commission basis? If yes, do you find these more difficult than drawing just for the fun of it?

Of course, but at the moment I hardly do any commissions for several reasons. I think it depends on the things you have to draw whether it is fun or not.


Are there any artists or specific sources that you feel directly inspire your creativity?

Of course! In different ways: I look up to some artists who are technically excellent, and I also admire people
who have a very creative mind, but too many to name. My personal idol is M.C. Escher. And I'm a big fan of the very unknown Angi Petrescu-Tiparescu who had illustrated a Romanian Brothers Grimm book. Very unique style!


As you look ahead, in what direction are you aspiring to take your art? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?

I hope I can start to realize some of my own ideas this year. Besides the portraits I submit here on DA, I do a lot more things to improve my skills. And I want to do scientific graphic arts occupationally. In 2006 I left a school for graphic design without graduation, as I noticed I'm not very much into design. I'm now retrying the A-level to get accepted at a university. I definitely want to follow up photorealism.


Do you have any other interests besides art? Do you feel these interests contribute to your artistic goals in any way?

Ha ha, I played table tennis for a while. Does that count? Well, I liked it because you need some action in return for all the sitting while you're drawing. And besides this I guess I have some usual and some unusual interests.


What advice would you give to a graphite artist desiring to improve the quality of their own art?

Difficult. Actually I don't want to give any advice, because everyone has to find his/her own way.


Is there any piece in particular in your gallery that has special meaning for you, and why?

Yes, the drawing called "Emotions". I worked on it during a very hard time. The other ones are not in my gallery.


Lastly, we see you've been a member here at dA since January 2004. Do you feel joining dA has benefited you as an artist? What has been your favorite part of your dA experience over these last few years?

Joined in Jan 2004, reactivated my account in 2006. I can say dA has a great influence concerning motivation.
I still enjoy the international character of dA, getting the chance to see so many amazing artists and different styles of art. And it's cool to get in contact with some national drawers as I didn't know many people doing photorealism as well before.