What do you want to say with this work?
I used to make art with a clear statement, but it was too easy for people to grasp the meaning. Now I want everyone to have their own interpretation of my work. So I started doing illustrations based only on feelings, and that’s how I made this piece.
What materials did you use?
I used colored pencils on black paper. It was the first time I’d ever used black paper. It’s like working backward. You’re working on negative space, and you have to fill in the positive space. It really helps bring out the colors.
Why is color important to this drawing?
I was trying to create a clear mood and make it feel soft. It’s mostly black and white, with only a few other colors. I used blues and purples and a hint of green to keep it from getting too complex.
What challenges did you encounter?
I’d never drawn or painted anything where the water was so important. I didn’t want to do just a shallow body of water, I wanted ripples and waves.
Do you have advice for aspiring artists like yourself?
Learn as much as you can about color theory!