In Pencil & Paper
by Christelle Bilodeau
Christelle Bilodeau’s portfolio includes amazing pencil drawings of some fantastic artists such Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Amy Winehouse, Bob Dylan, Lady Gaga and many more. Her artistry is undeniable and just take a look at her body of work for an introduction to her talent. Christelle’s portraits reflect a high level of precision, plenty of details and that that little something that captivates the essence of each individual who becomes the subject of her art pieces.
It was really enjoyable listening to Christelle Bilodeau talk about work process, her fears facing a big project, her feelings of joy finishing up another wonderful piece of art. She reminded us how the genius of Andy Warhol continues to inspire generations of talented artists like herself. There’s so much to look forward to when it comes to Christelle’s own body of work. It will be pure joy to cheer her on!
It was really enjoyable listening to Christelle Bilodeau talk about work process, her fears facing a big project, her feelings of joy finishing up another wonderful piece of art. She reminded us how the genius of Andy Warhol continues to inspire generations of talented artists like herself. There’s so much to look forward to when it comes to Christelle’s own body of work. It will be pure joy to cheer her on!
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Dear Christelle, Thank you for accepting our invitation. When did you start drawing? It all started when I was a child. I just loved to draw, mostly horses. I finally took painting lessons when I was 10 and I simply never stopped making art. I focused on portraits 12 years ago and I have been improving my technique ever since. Who were the first people who believed in your talent from the early stages and encouraged you to keep learning, training, and creating? |
Photo: courtesy of the artist |
My parents were very supportive in the beginning. A little less so during my teenage years and as a young adult. I think they were scared that I would become a starving artist. I quickly learned that I must have a full-time job as well, at least for now. So now they are completely supportive and proud of my achievements.
Throughout my journey I received incredible support from my friends and even from complete strangers who saw my work. This has always been like a good pat on my back and it has kept me going.
What are the emotions you go through from start to finish of a project?
I start in doubt, wondering how am I supposed to do this? When a piece starts to look like something, I become confident. Then I doubt myself again when I am working on a difficult part of a drawing. Most of the time, I end up totally satisfied and joyful to show the final product to my client...or to share it with the world!
How long does it take you to complete a portrait?
Each portrait is very different and therefore they all take a specific amount of time. The size and subject increase the difficulty of a drawing. It could be a challenging piece of clothing or accessories, even a hand or long hair that extend the process. I believe the longest it took me to finish a drawing is 60 hours. Commissions and larger pieces require an amount of details that is often overwhelming.
What does it take draw portraits that are so true to the original?
It takes a lot of time and patience. Obviously I didn't become good overnight. Perseverance is key. At the very beginning of a project, the work may appear insurmountable but as soon as I really get into it, it is pure pleasure and fun. Plus, since I work countless hours on each portrait I always make sure I have great movies or series to watch. This helps a lot to stay motivated and oddly enough, focused.
Who are the artists whose works and careers serve as your model?
Andy Warhol is the artist I admire the most. He saw beauty in everyone and everything. Andy appreciated the tiniest flaws in every person and that was beauty to him. I think this way of thinking is shown in every single of his art pieces. I do share the same goal, I want beauty to be reflected in my art.
Marina Abramović is another artist I admire a lot. Even though we don't do the same type of art, (she is a renowned performance artist). I admire her for her extreme dedication to her art and complete immersion in it. Her whole vision about life is fascinating. She makes no compromises and lets nothing or nobody get between herself and her urge to create. My biggest wish is to reach this level of commitment one day.
Throughout my journey I received incredible support from my friends and even from complete strangers who saw my work. This has always been like a good pat on my back and it has kept me going.
What are the emotions you go through from start to finish of a project?
I start in doubt, wondering how am I supposed to do this? When a piece starts to look like something, I become confident. Then I doubt myself again when I am working on a difficult part of a drawing. Most of the time, I end up totally satisfied and joyful to show the final product to my client...or to share it with the world!
How long does it take you to complete a portrait?
Each portrait is very different and therefore they all take a specific amount of time. The size and subject increase the difficulty of a drawing. It could be a challenging piece of clothing or accessories, even a hand or long hair that extend the process. I believe the longest it took me to finish a drawing is 60 hours. Commissions and larger pieces require an amount of details that is often overwhelming.
What does it take draw portraits that are so true to the original?
It takes a lot of time and patience. Obviously I didn't become good overnight. Perseverance is key. At the very beginning of a project, the work may appear insurmountable but as soon as I really get into it, it is pure pleasure and fun. Plus, since I work countless hours on each portrait I always make sure I have great movies or series to watch. This helps a lot to stay motivated and oddly enough, focused.
Who are the artists whose works and careers serve as your model?
Andy Warhol is the artist I admire the most. He saw beauty in everyone and everything. Andy appreciated the tiniest flaws in every person and that was beauty to him. I think this way of thinking is shown in every single of his art pieces. I do share the same goal, I want beauty to be reflected in my art.
Marina Abramović is another artist I admire a lot. Even though we don't do the same type of art, (she is a renowned performance artist). I admire her for her extreme dedication to her art and complete immersion in it. Her whole vision about life is fascinating. She makes no compromises and lets nothing or nobody get between herself and her urge to create. My biggest wish is to reach this level of commitment one day.
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How do you pick the characters you draw?
I rarely pick subjects for my commissions. My personal projects include mostly people I admire and like. I have a lot of fun drawing them. I feel motivated knowing that they might see the result someday.
Did you ever feel starstruck meeting any of the famous people who are the subjects of your portraits?
I must say that it is stressful when I meet a famous person but this feeling disappears pretty quickly, when I realize that after all they are humans! Even if I am confident in my work, there is that element of uncertainty. We all hear terrible stories about celebrities being snobs and unpleasant, so I never really know how they are going to react. So far they've always been very nice and they’ve given me amazing compliments.
It goes without saying that being face to face with a legend I admire so much like Paul McCartney is a thrilling experience. That was a monumental turning point in my life. I never felt more starstruck than I did that time.
What’s the most impressive thing you’ve heard about your portraits?
Any compliment warms my heart greatly since I work so hard on each portrait. However I believe the best compliment I got was when someone told me my portraits were larger than life, that they felt like the eyes were following them across the room. I heard that a couple times.
Do you have a favorite movie quote which may also help you with your choices in life and art?
My favorite movie is Annie Hall. It has one of the most powerful quotes, in my opinion. And with its funny twist, it helps me remember - during difficult times - how lucky I am.
"I feel that life is divided into the horrible and the miserable. Those are the two categories. The horrible are like, I don't know, terminal cases, you know, and the blind people, crippled. I don't know how they get through life. It's amazing to me. And the miserable is everyone else. So, you should be thankful that you're miserable because that's very lucky, to be miserable. " - Annie Hall, 1977
Are there any upcoming shows or events featuring your work?
No. However I am always working on something. I am currently between commissions and I am working on a personal project that may lead to something bigger...
I rarely pick subjects for my commissions. My personal projects include mostly people I admire and like. I have a lot of fun drawing them. I feel motivated knowing that they might see the result someday.
Did you ever feel starstruck meeting any of the famous people who are the subjects of your portraits?
I must say that it is stressful when I meet a famous person but this feeling disappears pretty quickly, when I realize that after all they are humans! Even if I am confident in my work, there is that element of uncertainty. We all hear terrible stories about celebrities being snobs and unpleasant, so I never really know how they are going to react. So far they've always been very nice and they’ve given me amazing compliments.
It goes without saying that being face to face with a legend I admire so much like Paul McCartney is a thrilling experience. That was a monumental turning point in my life. I never felt more starstruck than I did that time.
What’s the most impressive thing you’ve heard about your portraits?
Any compliment warms my heart greatly since I work so hard on each portrait. However I believe the best compliment I got was when someone told me my portraits were larger than life, that they felt like the eyes were following them across the room. I heard that a couple times.
Do you have a favorite movie quote which may also help you with your choices in life and art?
My favorite movie is Annie Hall. It has one of the most powerful quotes, in my opinion. And with its funny twist, it helps me remember - during difficult times - how lucky I am.
"I feel that life is divided into the horrible and the miserable. Those are the two categories. The horrible are like, I don't know, terminal cases, you know, and the blind people, crippled. I don't know how they get through life. It's amazing to me. And the miserable is everyone else. So, you should be thankful that you're miserable because that's very lucky, to be miserable. " - Annie Hall, 1977
Are there any upcoming shows or events featuring your work?
No. However I am always working on something. I am currently between commissions and I am working on a personal project that may lead to something bigger...