Contest 9 – Winner's Interview – Cécile Carrega

Please tell us about your journey as an artist.

I've always been passionate about animals. I've been drawing them since childhood, with a pencil, without taking myself seriously. But 5 years ago, I discovered by chance some very realistic animal works done in pastel on social networks. It inspired me. Without having ever drawn in color, I studied the pastel technique by watching a few videos, then I started. It worked immediately, like love at first sight. Since then, I haven't stopped..

What is your medium and why did you choose it?

My medium is pastel. I would say that it chose me. I had a revelation with pastel the first time I tried to work with it. Powerful, colorful, precise, for me it has no limits and it allows me to go far in the hyperrealism of my animal works.

What was the inspiration behind this work?

My inspiration is always the same: the animal world. I always draw inspiration from a photo for my work (a photo that I am sometimes the author of because I also practice photography). The photo is never chosen at random. It must deeply inspire me. I use it to accurately represent the animal I am drawing, but afterwards, I always add my personal touch. Background, color ambiance, framing, I try to highlight my subject as much as possible to create a unique work.

Who is your favourite artist? Why?

I can't answer this question precisely because I love too many artists from too many different styles. Obviously, I'm always interested in animal and hyperrealist artists, but I'm also moved by a wide variety of styles.