Randy Atwood aka Randy-man is an incredibly talented artist who creates remarkable drawings and portraits from various types of pencils; mostly graphite, charcoal, colored and tortillion. He also uses Q-tips, tissues, white-gel pen, retractable eraser and kneaded eraser.
His drawings are so realistic that at times you can't help doubting if they are actually made from pencils without any technology involved. But they are in fact unbelievably real, and thats the kind of magic I am talking about that he creates from his pencils and creativity. We featured Randy couple of weeks ago on our blog, but that didn't satisfy our appetite for more inside information about his art and who can explain it better than the artist himself. So, we contacted him for an interview with us, and he has been very kind to spare some time for us.
Read further to learn about this wonderful artist and his awe-inspiring artwork.
Randy, please introduce yourself to E-junkies.
I’m Randy Atwood, 22 years old, and have been drawing in a “naturalistic” manner since I was about 12 when I first encountered blending as a form of modeling. I’ve always heard that people are the most difficult of subjects to draw. So, naturally, I primarily draw people.
Tell us about your artwork. What process your drawings go through?
Drawings from photographs or images, of course, start with the image. I digitally crop the image to suit both the dimensions of drawing and also my personal taste for composition. Although I will occasionally draw from the actual photograph, I find that copying from my computer screen is more beneficial. I oftentimes lay a grid on the image to assist in the initial sketch of the drawing and then use a “layered” approach of blended-graphite and eraser to slowly create the final image rather than drawing it piecemeal.
I really wonder how do you make self-portraits?
Although I don’t really think I’m too narcissistic, I love doing self-portraits; this is largely due to the fact that I have greater control of the pose, mood, expression, etc., than I do with images I find on the internet or in magazines. Self-portraits is the genre of portrait drawing, or art-making in general, in which I experiment the most; the more I try to “spice up” the piece, in a way, the more of me I am putting into the piece, making it that much more personable.
The actual process of creating them is practically the same as with any of my other drawings.
Most of your portraits are of celebrities. Is there any particular reason behind it?
I’ve always found greater satisfaction in being able to draw an “individual” rather than just a “subject.” For most viewers of my work, celebrities are much easier to identify with individuals which they themselves may know of. This allows for an internal comparison of the drawing to what they know as the celebrity allowing for a more critical, and oftentimes appreciative, analysis of my drawings.
(Rather than hearing, “That’s a good drawing of a horse” or “That’s a nice picture of a girl,” I prefer the increased specificity celebrity drawings allow: “That looks just like Marlon Brando.”)
Your portraits look too realistic. Instead, they look like photographs. What do you want to say to those who think they are photoshoped photographs or perhaps tricked?
I am always delighted to hear people’s reactions to my drawings and being told that they think it is a photograph is simply one of the best compliments I can receive; I did, in fact, copy a photo so I am pleased to hear that the drawing resembles a photo. (As a side note, I would someday like to drawing from life but, as you are probably aware of, people aren’t as still and patient in the real-world as their 2-dimensional photographic counterparts. I strive to, someday, create drawings that look “realistic” rather “photographic” which, to me, is different.)
On a more somber note, those who truly believe that my drawings are indeed just photos or altered images thereof are simply displaying their ignorance in the matter of art-making and, honestly, their opinion of my work does not interest me. I’d much rather hear from fellow drawers/art-makers who can relate.
Your Twilight Series look awesome! Would you like to share anything about it?
I really enjoyed the novels (although was let down by Breaking Dawn, but we won’t get into that) and enjoyed the films. I do not think I’m a “Twihard” fan, which I think my most widely copied and most controversial image displays.
The actors in the films are beautiful and enjoyable to draw. Twilight itself is very popular and there are plenty of images to be drawn from. Two summers ago when I did the bulk of my Twilight series I was really just “going with the flow” and seeking a more widespread audience for my work. But now, if I do continue the series, I draw for myself, as is evidence by two of my favorite drawings to date (which could be arguably not “Twilight” per se.)
Which is your favorite creation?
I like different drawings for different reasons and thus it is hard for me to choose one. Although it is now many years old, I still have a great admiration for “Victoria”. This drawing was a major breakthrough for me and its significance in my journey shows a major shift in both style and technique which continues to be a major aspect in my current work.
How did you gain interest in this form of artwork? Do share your story with us.
I’ve been drawing ever since I was very little, copying children books illustrations and movie covers as a hobby. My parents were very influential in encouraging me to draw since I both liked it and was getting better at it. I was always known for being “artistic” in school and, as my sole “talent,” I simply stuck with it. Although not easy, drawing seemed simpler than most people made it out to be. I still do not think drawing is easy nor do I think that I have a “gift;” I’ve had much time to dedicate to the craft and am constantly seeking to improve.
Share the best compliment you've ever received for your work.
I’ve recently done a commission for an engaged couple and the mother of the groom-to-be, when she saw the piece, began to tear for (what I hope was) bliss. That my drawing, nothing but graphite marks and smears on paper, can evoke such a powerful emotion truly amazes me and this simple gesture is the best compliment I can ever hope to receive.
Why did you choose 'Deviantart' to showcase your work?
I stumbled onto the site early in high school when looking for drawings for inspiration. The site includes a massive amount of wonderful works which are constantly update, giving me an endless source for inspiration. I chose the site as a means to get my works exposed. The fact that it’s free to join also helped in my decision.
Many other artists would draw inspiration from you. What message do you have for them?
When I was young I once asked a portrait drawer at an amusement park for advice; he told me to just practice. This was not the kind of answer I was looking for and was greatly disappointed. But now, after so many years, I hate to admit it but he was correct. You just have to practice and learn from both your accomplishments and your mistakes. Also, keep drawing motivation from pieces which inspire you, pieces you’d like to emulate. Without inspiration, improvement is a dismal journey. Allow other artist’s works to light your path to learning and understanding.
Personally, I find it very beneficial to be really critical about your own work. Getting compliments on your work from other people is a great self-esteem booster. However, it will not help you improve as much as critiques will. Oftentimes people don’t want to be critical about your work (for fear of hurting your feelings) or they may not know what needs to be done. That is why it is your responsibility to critique yourself. I have never nor will I ever create a piece I was satisfied with. But from every piece created there is something to be learned, whether it be something you should continue doing or something you should avoid in future works. Every piece created is another block in your road to improvement.
Thanks Randy for a great advice and a wonderful interview. We will eagerly look forward to many more awesome drawings by you. :)
Visit Randy's profile and gallery here.
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Thanks Randy for a great advice and a wonderful interview. We will eagerly look forward to many more awesome drawings by you. :)
Visit Randy's profile and gallery here.
To read more interviews of inspiring and talented artists like Randy Atwood, you can subscribe to our RSS feed. You can also choose to receive updates via emails.
Do join our Facebook page as well:
this young man is on the A list of internet pencil portrait artists He is one of a few I honestly admire