At first glance, Paul Cadden’s artwork looks like a mere photograph taken by an expensive and high-end camera– but look a little closer. Leaning in to see the impressive and intricate detail made by just a pencil or charcol is astonishing.
Cadden is a Scotland-based Hyperrealist who recreates photographs in the form of drawings and paintings. The Huffington Post says that “Cadden’s incredible skill captures an intense vision even beyond the capabilities of photography.”
An interview with Paul Cadden:
- Hi Paul, tell us a little about yourself, and your life outside of your artwork?
I’m currently in based in Glasgow, building a new studio and because of that haven’t had much of a life outside work!
- At what age did you first get into drawing, or art in general?
I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember.
- What did you enjoy drawing when you first started out?
Typical childhood stuff, Commando Comics, anything Military.
- How would you say you’ve developed as an artist over the years?
Slowly.
- You’re a Hyperrealist, correct? What does being a hyperrealist mean to YOU?
“Hyperrealism tends to create an emotional, social and cultural impact and differs from photorealism which is far more technical.” My inspiration comes from the phrase “to intensify the normal”. I take everyday objects and scenes of people and then create a drawing which carries an emotional impact – it can be quite beautiful.”
- What inspires you to make a new work of art?
My inspiration for my next drawing and painting is for the new one to be better than the last one.
- Is it predominantly humans that you base your photos on? What other
focuses do you have in your artwork?
I’m moving away from using the portraits subjects from stock images to taking my own urban landscape photographs for my drawings – it just so happens that the portrait drawings have been the most successful.
- What method do you use to draw photographs? Do you usually base your
work off of photos, or draw real life scenarios in front of you?
Reference material is a big factor when working from photos I have taken or stock footage, which is then manipulated in Photoshop to enhance detail or add certain elements. I then use the grid method to transfer the design to the canvas. As the picture progresses, I refer to the source material less and less, and the drawing takes on a life of its own.
- When you show your works of art to others, do they often get mistaken
for real photographs?
No, you can definitely see up close that they’re drawings.
- What materials do you use in your art? For example, any special types
of pencils?
I usually use a range of pencils from 4H – 2B, my personal favourite pencil brand being Caran d’Ache of Switzerland.
- Do you usually draw on a canvas?
I have drawn on canvas but my preferred medium is recycled cartridge paper.
- What would you say is the most difficult object or feature to bring to
life in a drawing… in other words, what is the most difficult thing
to make look realistic?
For me personally I’ve always had a problem drawing hair.
- Other than on the web, where can people view your artwork? Are they in museums?
My drawings are held in the Plus One Gallery London and Mason Murer Fine Art Atlanta.
- Do you sell any of your artwork? If so, how much do your pieces
usually range?
The Galleries sell my drawings and they decide on the prices.
- Typically, how long does it take you to finish one of your
photorealistic pieces of work?
It varies from two weeks to six weeks for each piece.
- Do you have any inspirations in art, or any favorite artists who you look up to?
Francis Bacon, Caravaggio, Austin Osman Spare, Tracey Emin
- What are your ultimate dreams with your artwork?
To have a house with a studio in South Uist and draw.
- Apart from drawing, what other hobbies and responsibilities keep you busy?
Watching Coronation Street.
- Do you have a favorite photograph you’ve drawn?
Scottish Landscapes
Paul Cadden’s “Scottish Landscapes”:
The post An Interview with Hyperrealist Paul Cadden appeared first on The Expressionist Magazine.
