AVallois
name: Arnaud
surname: de Vallois
year of birth: 1983
country: USA
Q1: When did you start making art?
Like most would say – since I was a kid. I was always sort of doodling and drawing
random stuff everywhere. I’d also copy art from comic books (mostly Spawn) and
video game magazines.
Q2: What does inspire you?
Life in general. Personal things. Other artists – So many I don’t know where to start! – Arthur Rackham, Stephen Gammell, Leyendecker, Tim Burton, Ralph Steadman, Johnathan Wayshak, Beksinski, Anne Bachelier, Todd McFarlane, Eyvind Earle, Marc Davis, Sargeant, Rockwell, Gericault,
I can go on forever…
Q3: What are your techniques?
Most of my stuff is digital nowadays; you can almost literally create at the speed of thought and try completely crazy ideas in seconds, it’s incredible – that being said, nothing really beats graphite or pen on paper.
Q4: What is the main idea or feeling behind your works?
I don’t necessarily have a specific message behind my stuff, I rather people sort of
make up their own minds about their own possible connection with it (if there’s even a connection to begin with!)
Q5: What is the main color of your art and why?
I’ve never really thought about it before! Not sure if I can say a specific color – but for what it’s worth
I do start most of my stuff with warm, mid-gray tones for the simple reason that it’s easier on the eyes.
Q6: What would you improve about your work and why?
Everything! And that will always be the case – there’s no such thing as not being able to improve something.
Q7: Do you have any project for the future?
There’s some client work I can’t really bring up, but quite a few personal ones, yes. I’m also trying to keep on with Disney Villains series, as well as Jack the Ripper and the Headless Horseman for fun.
Q8: Describe yourself with 3 words capturing the essence of AVallois.
You can just call me ‘Arnaud’ , that’s my name 😉 Umm…how about – moody, raw, dark. (This sounds like some kind of chocolate dessert.)
Q9: Show us (link) your very first work. Describe it from techniques till feelings.
My very first? No idea where that is or even what it is – was probably 20some years ago! I can link to the first post on my blog, though! About 5 years ago HERE.
That was a heavily painted over photo-manip I did to try and capture the idea of a ‘dead end.’
Q10: What did change from your first work till now?
Well I started with a photo as a base for that one, now I start with an empty canvas and scratch and sketch away.
Q11: What is art for you? Escaping from reality or the essence of life?
Essence of life – or what about… The essence of escape. Or the essence of reality? You know, that probably sounds too pretentious.