(^8) http://www.InternationalArtist.com
ART CHALLENGE
FinalistDennis Yost
Massachusetts, USA, Sphynx, pastel,
48 x 48" (124 x 124 cm)My Inspiration
I am a self-taught artist. My interest, is in
super photorealism. My goal is making each
one of my portraits come alive with realism.
I use a kaleidoscope of colors to bring the
eyes to the next level of beauty. I work in
various mediums such as graphite, charcoal
and pastel. My latest pieces are all large-
scale pastels, and my inspiration for cats
stems from a longtime loving companion,
Asia, a Bengal cat I had for almost 12 years.
I want to show my artwork as a center piece
that reflects the spirit and relationship that I
had with Asia, and this inspires me to create
my work.My Working Process
I use the grid method for transferring my
images to a much larger scale. I got this idea
from an artist named Chuck Close, whom
I admire very much. The grid method can
be a fairly intensive process, especially if
you’re transferring the image to a larger
scale. I choose this method for precision andaccuracy. Sometimes when I’m in my studio
at work, I need to dim my lighting and take
a few steps back to see the contrasts that are
enhanced in subdued lighting. This gives
me clarity of vision, so I can see the subtle
details of the piece I’m working on. Most of
my recent work is all done in soft pastel.
I then use a hard pastel pencil for most of
my intricate details. I also use a magnifying
glass to enhance the details of the
photograph. This allows me to get the super-
photorealism I’m after.My Design Strategy
My design strategy is very simple. I don’t get
involved with compositions, fancy designs
or ideas. I’m a very straightforward man,and artist. However, I am interested in other
elements: harmony, balance, creating the
illusion of space, making the color sing,
etc. If the image needs to be changed or
manipulated I do give myself artistic license
by changing the tone, hue, contrast. If
I need to, I’ll make as many changes as the
art requires to get the desired effect I’m after.
I never let hard and fast rules get in the way
of me creating a spectacular piece of art.Contact Details
» Email: [email protected]FINALISTS
Each receives an Award Certificate and
a one-year subscription to International
Artist magazine PLUS having their work
seen worldwide by international galleries
looking for new talent.