RK : Say something about you.
Pedro : My name is Pedro Lopes, I'm Brazilian I'm 22 years old and I work with drawings for about 8 years. My drawings are for realism and it's what I love to do.
In spite of being a great admirer of other techniques and artistic styles, I stood out better in realism
RK : When did you first realize that you really loved drawing? Were there any instances that you can recall in particular that made you choose to concentrate on creating art?
Pedro : I think there was no milestone in which I became an artist, in fact, I always drew since I was a child, it was always what I loved to do, and for a long time I kept looking
something to continue being that I already drew and had ability with that. I think I can say that I became more like an artist in 2011 when I chose to post my drawings on the social medias.
The virtual world is a great tool to promote works and this helped me a lot to grow as an artist and then, solve once and for all to become who I always was.
RK : Was there any particular moments that you feel launched your art career for you? Has anybody guided you along your career path as an artist and if so who?
Pedro : I never thought it was possible to be an artist, even more with the style that I work with. I think the influences, as I said, were after I posted my works
on the social medias. There are many reasons that influence you to move forward when you are in the virtual world. I think what influenced me the most were the people
who enjoy my work, family, friends and followers, this certainly made my career as an artist leverage faster. I do not have a person like
responsible for my success, but several! I can say that everyone who accompanies me is responsible.
RK : Tell us about your work? What are you currently working on?
Pedro : Well, today I work with realism and that's what I want to work on for a long time. Of course sometimes I think of applying more styles, but at the moment I see myself in this branch
and it's something I love to do. It is very gratifying to get what you see on paper, I feel very happy and grateful.
RK : What subjects do you mostly like to draw and paint about and why?
Pedro : My drawings are based on celebrities, I am very connected in the world of the current celebrities and I see that drawing them is a form of self-disclosure and of course, I love drawing
my idols. I love it even more when the drawing comes to the eyes of the celebrities, that is compensating! The dream of every artist who draws his idols. I have plans to start doing
calligraphy along with drawings, but this is still in my plans hehe
RK : What is your favorite medium to work in?
Pedro : As I said, I love reproducing celebrities, I really like working at dawn. I think it makes me more calm and peaceful, that makes me
a better concentration when I will perform the details.
RK : Who are some artists you admire?
Pedro : Without a doubt, my favorite artists are Samuel Saito and Sheila Giovanni in realism, simply flawless work and richness in detail. I had the honor of meeting Sheila
in a recent Faber-Castell Brazil event. In the watercolor, I can say that I'm obsessed with the drawings of Rodrigo Falco, I also had the honor to meet him at the event together with the Sheila.
RK : What’s your favorite piece of art that you’ve created?
Pedro : My favorite work of my own I believe that is the question haha. It was a drawing that I did in honor of the LGBT community that was represented in my works by the singer
Zayn Malik, I made him praying for freedom and covered in colors that represent the LGBT flag and I named the drawing as "PRAY FOR FREEDOM". There was also a poem made in honor of my work
by the poet Andréa Silveira Neto Nunes (asnn) who were exposed along with my work in an exhibition that we did just now.
RK : What goes through your mind while you draw, is there a calm silence, do you listen to music or do you experience doubt, fear or any emotions at all?
Pedro : When drawing I always put songs to play, I think drawing and music are a great combination. Help me in the inspiration!
I make my drawings by dawn, which is the moment when I know I will not have interruptions, make my coffee, play a song and start working. I can say that this is the best moment of my night.
I do not usually draw by day, sometimes I draw on weekends in the afternoon. But my favorite moment is the dawn and in a matter of fears and emotions, of course I have! We all have, I think my
drawings are moved by emotions, whether they are good or bad, I always take advantage of it.
RK : Your pieces are incredibly detailed. How long does it take to create a single piece and what is the process like?
Pedro : Thanks !! Well, some take weeks, others even months. I try to let time be irrelevant in terms of the progress of my drawings, I have never counted how many hours or days they take, but I can say
which are done with great patience and dedication.
RK : Tell us about the struggles you have endured as an artist.
Pedro : I liked this question! haha I think that all of us in artists face daily struggles in relation to our profession. I strongly believe that anyone who learns to deal with criticism and any other pejorative act or not
Already an artist. At first I faced many comments regarding my work for not having a very promising image, to be an artist for some people is to draw only beautiful faces or carve sculptures
symmetrical, play some instrument ... But everyone who does this, in fact is not only this, there are feelings, overcomes, dreams and much dedication. We always seek the best of ourselves and it is never easy, especially
when someone tries to make you discredit yourself. We are very sensitive and our refuge is usually our artistic side. For example, I spend everything I'm feeling for the role, even if it's something I'm
using as reference. What is valid for me is often what I went through on paper and I could see that I have turned bad feelings into something beautiful and that people admire. This is wonderful!
I go through a lot of fights and being an artist is to continue fighting always, be it for you or for someone else.
RK : Describe your dream project.
Pedro : Do I very much dream of exposing my drawings to the world. To know countries and people, different cultures ... This must surely be incredible!
RK : If you were not an artist, what would you rather be?
Pedro : Good question, nor do I know haha! I think I'd look for something closer to art. Music, dances ... Things like that.
RK : What’s one art tip/technique you can share with us that you find really helpful?
Pedro : A very good tip for those who seek to improve is to challenge themselves, to use images that seem difficult. If I force myself to draw something in detail, I always do it and it's very rewarding.
RK : Do you have any special unique advice for other artists who are learning to draw in realism at this very high standard that you are drawing at?
Pedro : Well, the advice is based on this previous question, challenge yourself!
And also move on, do not give up easily, persist in what you want. Seeking the best of yourself, there is always a better way to be discovered and this should be instigated by yourself.
RK : If you could tell the world one thing, what would it be?
Pedro : HAHAHA I'D SAY "WORLD, I'M WAITING, TAKE ME WITH YOU"
RK : Have you ever been to India and anything you know about Indian Art & Culture?
Pedro : I've never been to India, I've never taken an international trip. I do not know much about culture but as I said, culture and art from other countries is something that makes me very curious, I really want to know.
RK : We (Retro Kolkata) are trying to make a bridge between National and International Art & Culture By featuring some National & International personalities who already have made their own path in their respective fields and we think your story and tips might help the newcomers to build their career. Please say something about our initiative and any special message for your Indian followers.
Pedro : I honestly think what you guys are doing amazing! The world needs this, we need it and it's something so beautiful and inspiring. I am very in favor of projects like yours and I am very flattered by
being here answering these questions, I feel part of it. Congratulations to the team!
Follow Pedro Lopes on Instagram
