What inspired you to create works of art and to become an artist? (events, feelings, experiences...)
Since I was very young, art has accompanied me on a daily basis. I was lucky to have teachers, throughout my schooling, who knew how to unseal this appetite in me. I always knew that my profession would have an artistic orientation. During my youth, I oriented my studies towards graphic design and became artistic director in a communication agency. At the same time, I continue to paint and draw.
What is your artistic background, the techniques and subjects you have experimented with so far?
My first paintings were painted in acrylic, but I didn't like the plastic and opaque aspect.
The choice of watercolor came later and also the result of chance, I was talking with a tradesman from a small creative leisure shop in Paimpol in 2016, he offered me a small box of watercolors, I didn't had never thought of using this medium, but especially in my studies in art school none of my teachers approached this technique. This one is still underestimated, and still suffers today from a bad reputation: a bland and obsolete technique for old people who paint kittens and geraniums.
So, as a challenge, I decided to give it a try.
Today the look is changing on this technique and I am very happy about it, I am 42 years old and I paint very colorful portraits in watercolor.
What are the 3 aspects that differentiate you from other artists, making your work unique?
The subject, the medium and the color, the assembly of the three. The watercolor portrait in very frank colors, perhaps, is less common.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Photographs and color.
I spend a lot of time finding the photo that will serve as my model. An expression, an attitude, a look. This something that makes me want to paint.
What is your artistic approach? What visions, sensations or feelings do you want to evoke in the viewer?
I don't have a conceptual approach, the portrait is so emotionally charged that it seems to me to be self-sufficient. Each spectator feels the portrait in front of him in a different way, it's like meeting a new person, each in his own way.
What is the process of creating your works? Spontaneous or with a long preparatory process (technical, inspiration from art classics or other)?
I spend a lot of time looking for my model. Once found, I draw it conscientiously and get as close to photography as possible. Then, this person will inspire me with a main color and then comes the time to let go. I paint the background with large brushstrokes, which will consist of stains and splashes. Once the background is finished, I meticulously paint the portrait which will merge with this background and create unexpected color mixtures.
Do you use a particular working technique? if so, can you explain it?
For watercolor I paint dry on dry and many layers in transparency.
Are there any innovative aspects in your work? Can you tell us which ones?
Honestly, I don't know... Maybe the use of color in watercolor.
Do you have a format or medium that you are most comfortable with? if yes, why ?
I like to work on a rather large sheet, generally 50X65 cm.
I find that the faces take on another dimension and are more impactful on a large surface.
Olimpia Gaia Martinelli
