Interviews

1. Tell me a little bit about where you were brought up and the area you now reside at.

I was born and raised in the desert of Rock Spring's Wyo, one dollar theater
and a skating ring. So needless to say, there wasn't much else for me to do
but draw. Currently I live in Salt Lake City, Utah. It's a quiet place with
lots of great people.
2. What are the basic steps to becoming such a wonderful Artist?

Practice, practice, practice, read lots of books, talk to lots of artists,
and practice some more. Don't be afraid to try something out and delve into
your imagination. If you don't like what you made, try it again or try
something else. Oh and did I mention practice.

3. If you were stranded on a desert Island, what things would you
want to have with you?

My sketchbook, a set of pencils, and a really good fantasy book. And a
lifetime supply of cheesecake would be nice.

4. When did you develop the first piece of art that you were truly
proud of? What was it?

When I was three, this is how my parents knew I was going to be an artist, I
drew our Christmas tree. My mom still has it. I actually remember my dad
sitting with me showing me how to use a ruler and draw circles for the glass
decorations. I've loved Christmas tree's ever since.

5. What are your biggest inspirations? Which are your favorite Artists?

My biggest inspiration is my little girl. She has this incredible
imagination and makes up the great little fantasy stories. I like to draw
things that encourage her to be imaginative. My favorite artists are
Christophe Vacher, Kinko Y. Craft, Stephanie Law, John William Waterhouse,
Brian Froud, the list just goes on.

6. Do you listen to music when you paint? What kind?

Yes I do. A variety of things from Phantom of the Opera to industrial and
techno music. I love anything that carries alot of emotional quality to it.

7. How many hours a week do you devote to Art?

About 30. Unless you count school, which is art based, then it jumps up to
50. I would love to spend more time on it, like 60 to 80 hours, but I have
to keep my day job.

8. What are some do's and don'ts that you can give to the up and coming
young Artists out there?

Number one most important, don't give up. Do network with all kinds of
people. Love what you do, and never talk down about yourself or your art.
Learn all you can about what you like and keep your passion always.

9. How do you see Art changing for the future?

I see a more technical side of art coming out. I see fantasy and mythology
hitting the main stream markets, and just taking off. I see animation and
video games storming the youth markets and keeping artists alive and fed.

10. What challenges do you have yet to fulfill in your life?

Actually making a living off of doing art only. That's my dream. I want to
illustrate a book, make an animated movie, graduate from college, buy a
house, and learn to balance my check book.

11. How would you describe you style of Art?

Enchanted romantic fantasy.

12. Do you have a style that you like over your other styles?

Not really. I like to play around. I've always had a hard time pinning
down what my exact style is, but others say they can see it. I just want to
make sure I create some sort of emotion in anything I draw.

13. What other studies, hobbies, pursuits or learnings have
assisted you in portraying your Art?

Reading has deeply effected my art. I love to read and study mythology and
religion. This is probaly the biggest reason I'm a fantasy artists.

14. Tell me the history behind what I consider your best piece of art....
My Heart's Choice.

Wow, that's a delicate one. I created her at a time in my life when I was
going through ending a very difficult relationship. I wanted something that
portrayed a sense of starting over with a bit of saddness to it. There is a
part of the piece where the light is brighter, and this was where I tried to
convey the idea of hope in my life. A choice to still go on after a really
difficult trial.

15. Tell me about the time you usually spend on studying your
subject matter. I usually spend a couple of days researching ideas,
concepts, and gathering references.

16. Do you feel as if you'll be leaving a legacy behind for other Artists
and Art lovers to cherish?

I hope to be that awesome. For people to know my name and love my art, I
think that's every artists dream.

17. Where would you direct anyone if they wanted to buy some of
your works?

My website, www.muddvision.com

18. Anything that I may have missed that you'd care to comment on?

No, you're pretty thorough.

19. What's in the future for Abranda?

A degree in animation, an airbrush, and some really large acrylic paintings.

Thank you and good luck !!

1.   Tell me a little bit about where you were brought up and the area you now reside at.

I was born in Syracuse, New York but, I lived most of my life in Monroe, a small town in southern Ct. My first two studio jobs kept me in the CT area. My first, working for well known childrens book author Mercer Mayer. The second, working for a division of Vivendi Universal Games on mostly licensed childrens properties. I currently work for Electronic Arts and am located in Maitland Florida, as suburb of Orlando.

2.   What are the basic steps to becoming such a wonderful Artist?

For me, its always been hard work and perseverance. Everyday I get up I try and improve my skills and make the next painting better than the last. Some paintings may fail or fall short and I think its the successful artist that understands that not every painting will be perfect. Its the imperfect ones, the ones we struggle with, that make us better artists. So, what are the steps? Never give up and constantly try and improve.

3.   If you were stranded on a desert Island, what things would you want to have with you?

The ol' desert island question. If I was stranded on a desert island I would definitely want one of my guitars, a sketch pad some pencils, hopefully an easel, some canvases, and some oil paints. Does this desert island have electricity? If so, then I'd like my computer, my Wacom tablet, Photoshop and the internet. I couldn't live without that.

He he, I guess Im not ready for the desert island experience yet. Honestly, as long as I could do something creative on the island I would be happy, even if it was drawing in the sand and making music by banging sticks on rocks.

4.   When did you develop the first piece of art that you were truly proud of? What was it?

I think that would probably be my junior year in college. It was one of those times when all of my training finally clicked and I was able to execute what I saw in my head successfully. The piece was eventually accepted into the "Society of Illustrators" student competition.

5.   What are your biggest inspirations?

My biggest inspiration comes from other artists, old and new. I can always look to the old masters and be inspired but, there are a lot of contemporary artists that are doing amazing things. Early inspirations include Michael Whelan, Michael Deas, Tim Obrien, Kinuko Craft, Scott Gustafson,and Salvador Dali., Really, there are just to many to mention. I spend a lot of time surfing the many international art forums checking out the new art posts. Lately Ive been really impressed by many of the emerging digital artists like Craig Mullins, and Dusso. For my personal work I draw a lot of inspiration by personal experiences.

6.   Do you listen to music when you paint? What kind?

Absolutely and always! Music is a huge part of my creative process and I usually select music that will help enhance the mood I am try to convey in the piece I am working on. Im an avid music collector, I probably own something like 1000 Cds, tapes, and records. My musical taste spans across many genres but I tend to listen to mostly rock music. My favorites include; Led Zeppelin, Jethro Tull, Moody Blues, Fates Warning, Dream Theater, Opeth, Porcupine Tree. Well theres just to many to mention.

7.   How many hours a week do you devote to Art?

Probably 70 hours a week. I have a full time job making concept art for about 10 hours a day and then I usually work on my personal work and freelance in my free time.

8.   What are some do's and don'ts that you can give to the up and coming young Artists out there?

Theres one thing I always tell all young artists. Whatever you do make sure your art is honest. If a young artist tries to make paintings or drawings that follow a trend, they will most likely fail. If one doesn't truly believe in the art they are creating it will show and the result will be a mediocre piece of art. The developing artist must find their voice. For some, the search for an original artistic voice can take a careers worth of experimentation. If you do find that voice, its almost certain you will be recognized for it.

Finally, a don't..Don't ever, ever give up.

and a do - do keep trying. Hard work and practice will pay off.

9.   How do you see Art changing for the future?

I could write on this subject for pages and pages. There is a lot of changes occurring in illustration right now and many legal battles to protect artists rights are occurring behind the scenes Digital art is opening the door for many new artists and the international community is being flooded with new and exceptional talent every day. Games have opened up exciting new opportunities for artists to find job security with a good salary to boot.

10. Who are your favorite Artists?

I already touched on this a bit earlier but here are a few more of my favorites: Mercer Mayer, James Gurney, Danielle Merriam, Gil Bruvel, and Rodney Mathews.

11. How would you describe you style of Art?

Thats a really tough one because I actually work in a couple of different styles. I would say my work is "fantasy based surrealism"

12. Do you have a style that you like over your other styles?

Yes, my favorite style to work in is the fantasy based imagery I usually focus on in my personal work. Many of the illustrations in my "illustrations" section of my website are my favorites because they were based on original ideas or concepts. I do like working in a few different styles though, its keeps things fresh and interesting. One thing that seems to be consistent throughout my work is the way I deal with lighting, I love dramatic lighting.

13. What other studies, hobbies or learnings have assisted you in portraying your Art?

I find that the more I look at art the better I become at my own work. Ive also found teaching and lecturing has helped hone my skills. Once you have to verbalize your techniques it helps you to better understand what exactly it takes to get to well executed finished piece. I've also found that playing a musical instrument has help diversify my creative expressions. When I don't feel like painting I can always pick up the guitar and break up the time. Usually after an hour or two of playing music I'm ready to get back to my art work.

14. Tell me the history behind what I consider your best piece of art.... Witch.

Ahhh the witch, glad you like that one. That was a commissioned piece for a comic book cover. The name of the comic is "Hex of the Wicked Witch" and is actually going to be re-issued next month.

15. Your pictures envoke a sense of peace and tranquility. Do you only paint when your spirits are high, when you're in a good mood?

Thank you, thats a fine compliment .As a professional artist; I dont always have the choice or luxury to paint under specific circumstances or conditions. I do use my moods to evoke a certain emotional response in my personal work. If I a feeling down I may use that as inspiration for piece that might convey sadness.

16. Are there any improvements that you could suggest for my website? (http://dekrue2.tripod.com) Sorry, had to ask.

He he, thats OK, you can ask. I consider a website to be a work in progress, thats how I see my site. It continues to grow and evolve as does yours. I think maybe I wouldn't have the link banners necessarily be the first thing a visitor sees. Maybe you could put them on the side somehow, or on the bottom of the front page. Maybe you could replace the banners with the artwork of a featured artist (if you can get permission), or something like that. Just some thoughts.

17. Anything that I may have missed that you'd care to comment on?

Nope, I cant think of anything. Thank you for the interview, it was a pleasure.

18. What's in the future for Philip?

I have a bunch of different projects in the works right now.

My designs and paintings will be appearing in two licensing trade show this summer and I hope to get more involved in that area.

I'm currently working with a gallery( Fulcrum Gallery) that is producing limited edition giclee prints of my work and I am looking forward to get more exposure in the fine art market.

The book that I wrote for CG Networks/Ballistic Publishing with four other artists is coming out in the next couple of months. Id like to do another more involved tutorial book in the future that focuses on different techniques and finding success as an artist. Im starting to get involved in doing work for feature films and would definitely like to do more work in that market.

Finally, Im working on my first childrens book and hope to have it finished by next year.

Heres to being hopeful for the future. Cheers! Thanks again for interviewing me. Good luck with your site.