Influential Artists: ALEJO VIGLIANI, Part Two
Have you ever wondered how the great artists in the world of illustration think and work? In this second part of our exclusive interview with Alejo Vigliani, a talented Argentine illustrator, we’ll dive into the secrets and techniques that have led his art to conquer the world. Get ready to discover invaluable tips, deep reflections, and unique perspectives that will inspire you to take your own art to the next level.
From the importance of life drawing to the essential requirements for becoming an exceptional artist, Vigliani opens the doors to his creative mind. Are you ready to embark on this fascinating journey through the creative process of one of the most promising artists of our era? Keep reading and prepare to be amazed!
Precision vs. Synthesis: The Perfect Balance in Illustration
When it comes to creating impactful illustrations, many artists struggle between the pursuit of anatomical precision and creative freedom. Alejo Vigliani shares his unique perspective on this dilemma:
“I think it’s done in stages. There were moments in my drawing where I sought a certain precision, especially anatomical. Then, I found that this obsession with the precision of figures and objects led me to a point of never finishing.”
This reflection invites us to consider how our approach to drawing can evolve over time. Vigliani continues:
“Lately, I’m finding that in the synthesis of certain figures I can communicate more. Even with a more believable sensation, without the need for it to resemble nature.”
This idea of synthesis is fascinating, as it challenges us to think beyond mere reproduction of reality. Want to explore new ways to synthesize your drawings? Discover innovative techniques here. The key, according to Vigliani, is to find a balance:
“It’s important that there’s a certain precision, having the possibility to interpret what’s being seen and give it an imprint. That something can be recognizable as an object or human body, but that it works with an interesting aesthetic value.”
The Human Figure: The Eternal Challenge of the Artist
Mastering the representation of the human figure is a common aspiration among artists. Vigliani offers valuable advice for those seeking to perfect this skill:
“First, take a step through naturalism, but without staying on the surface. In the books that generally reach us, like those by Andrew Loomis (which are excellent), there’s limited information on what the human body is and how it works.”
This observation reminds us of the importance of going beyond basic resources and seeking deeper knowledge. Vigliani emphasizes:
“It’s much richer for us, as artists, to delve as deep as we can, always from our perspective as illustrators.”
This approach invites us to consider the human body not just as a series of shapes, but as a complex and fascinating system. Click here to discover advanced resources on artistic anatomy that will help you take your human figure illustrations to the next level.
Anatomy: The Fundamental Pillar of Figure Drawing
Vigliani delves into the importance of understanding anatomy to create convincing drawings:
“Knowing the movements of the body, how the bones are arranged, and how the muscles follow the forms of that movement. I see how they stretch and relax, therefore, I can have a more convincing drawing.”
This anatomical knowledge not only improves accuracy but also allows for greater creative freedom:
“This way, I’ll be able to synthesize it better, whether looking for my own style or trying to find a new one. In other words, some more interesting way to present it to the viewer.”
Vigliani reminds us that the goal is not necessarily hyperrealism in every painting, but the ability to communicate effectively through our art. Ready to perfect your anatomical understanding? Explore our specialized resources here.
Life Drawing: An Irreplaceable Tool
When asked about the importance of working with live models, Vigliani is emphatic:
“Yes, it’s the most important thing, with any object that one can arrange in their space. It’s better to study it this way because we have a more direct perception with our senses.”
The artist explains the limitations of working only with photographs:
“We can do studies from a photo or a video, but they are only interpretations of nature seen through the lens of a camera. There we have limitations of perception, whereas if you have a model posing at a distance, you can move around the environment, move and see different perspectives of it.”
This three-dimensional experience offers a wealth of information that no flat image can provide. Vigliani warns about the dangers of relying too much on photographs:
“Sometimes, due to camera lens issues, there’s a different depth of field than what we perceive. For example, we see a super-giant foot, but in reality it doesn’t look like that.”
For those who don’t have regular access to live models, Vigliani suggests creative alternatives:
“It’s important not to stick only to the photo, you have to imagine that we have the figure in front of us, or if you have a mirror, make a similar pose and see what happens.”
Cyberpunk and Science Fiction: Inexhaustible Sources of Inspiration
When addressing his apparent fascination with cyberpunk, Vigliani smiles and clarifies:
“I don’t know if it’s an obsession, but it’s an aesthetic I find fascinating. I like science fiction and fantasy. When I saw Blade Runner, I loved that idea of transhumanism and cyborgs.”
This attraction to futuristic worlds and technological possibilities is reflected in many of his works. Vigliani adds:
“Logically, it’s also because of video games or series, as I love drawing that.”
The influence of science fiction on Vigliani’s art reminds us of the importance of exploring diverse genres and media to enrich our creative palette. Want to delve into the fascinating world of science fiction art? Enter here to discover specialized techniques.
Art Masters: The Influences That Shape an Artist
When asked about his reference artists, Vigliani mentions a variety of influential names:
“Alberto Breccia seems to me a great artist. He was the first with whom I was very surprised by the visual quality and sensitivity that his drawings convey.”
Vigliani’s admiration for Breccia reminds us of the importance of studying the masters of the past. He continues mentioning other artists:
“Another one I like a lot is Zaffino, son and father. From the international scene, the Italian Sergio Toppi drives me crazy, and Karl Kopinski too, because he has a particular way of transmitting this naturalism.”
About Kopinski, Vigliani elaborates:
“He is naturalistic, but at the same time he’s not, he has a very fascinating synthesis and combination. You notice the complexity of anatomical knowledge, but you capture that simplicity. The quality of the stroke and the agility he has when drawing surprises me a lot.”
This appreciation of diverse styles and techniques shows us how an artist can nurture themselves from multiple influences to develop their own unique style. Eager to explore different artistic styles? Discover our inspiration gallery here.
The Narrative Power of Comics
When talking about the comics that have impacted him, Vigliani mentions an iconic Argentine work:
“El Eternauta impacted me a lot. I read it as a very young child, and I didn’t know that existed from Argentina. It was a very complex and interesting story, I think it’s very underestimated by many people who are getting into comics now.”
This mention of “El Eternauta” reminds us of the power of comics to tell complex stories and address deep themes. Vigliani’s appreciation for this classic work underlines the importance of exploring the rich heritage of graphic narrative from different cultures and eras.
The Pillars of Success in Drawing
When asked about the indispensable elements to be a good illustrator, Vigliani offers a forceful response:
“The fundamental thing is to study what you want to draw! Not just how it looks, but how it works, what it’s for, this complements the drawing a lot.”
This holistic perspective reminds us that drawing goes beyond mere visual representation. Vigliani delves deeper:
“It would be ideal to study from the foundations of drawing. If you want to learn to create convincing three-dimensional spaces, you have to study everything related to that, be it perspectives of different types, how you control values, but, above all, understand them.”
The artist emphasizes the importance of deep understanding:
“If you simply replicate what you see, you’ll be left halfway. Everything you want to draw, always study it thoroughly, with all its elements, from drawing to the things you want to represent.”
Vigliani also highlights the importance of historical context:
“Of great importance is to investigate art history. It’s a very good tool to do new things and rediscover others that we might have been ignoring. A clear example, practicing techniques of old masters and understanding historical events.”
This comprehensive approach reminds us that art does not exist in a vacuum, but is deeply connected with history, culture, and knowledge. Ready to immerse yourself in a deep study of art? Explore our comprehensive resources here.
Conclusion: The Continuous Journey of the Artist
Throughout this interview, Alejo Vigliani has offered us a deep and multifaceted vision of the art of illustration. From the importance of anatomical knowledge to the need to balance precision and synthesis, his insights are invaluable for any developing artist.
Vigliani reminds us that the artist’s path is a continuous journey of learning and discovery. Whether working with live models, exploring new genres like cyberpunk, or studying the masters of the past, there are always opportunities to grow and evolve as an artist.
His reflections on the importance of deeply understanding what we draw, beyond mere appearance, challenge us to approach our art with a curious and analytical mindset. At the same time, his emphasis on synthesis and personal expression reminds us that the ultimate goal of art is to communicate and evoke emotion.
The interview with Vigliani leaves us with valuable lessons and much to reflect on. It invites us to question our methods, explore new techniques, and, above all, never stop learning and evolving in our craft. Are you ready to take your art to the next level? Discover how you can enhance your skills here.
We thank Alejo Vigliani for sharing his experience and wisdom with us. His words will surely inspire many artists to pursue their passion with renewed enthusiasm and dedication.
We invite you to explore more about Vigliani’s work on his social media (Instagram: @alecvigliani) and his portfolio on ArtStation (www.artstation.com/vigliani). His work is a living testimony to the principles and techniques he has shared with us.
Remember, the artist’s path is long and full of challenges, but also countless rewards. Each stroke, each sketch, each finished work is one more step in your creative journey. So grab your pencils, pick up your digital tablet, or whatever tool you prefer, and start creating. The world is waiting to see what you can do.
Which aspects of the interview with Alejo Vigliani have inspired you the most? What techniques or advice do you plan to incorporate into your own artistic practice? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. And don’t forget to stay tuned for our upcoming interviews with other influential artists from the world of illustration and comics.
Until next time, and may inspiration accompany you in every stroke!
