DRAW FASCINATING SYMBOLIC ARTWORK

Learn how JULIÁN DE LA MOTA creates a composition from his imagination with a focus on crafting figures, volumetric modelling, and light and shadow

The process behind my art is all about generating images that stem from my inner self, connected to my emotions and deeper psychology. It's always a journey of discovery where I'm aiming for my creativity to emerge spontaneously, akin to a dialogue or dance. Mastery of technical elements is essential for this approach, which we'll focus on in this workshop.

I want to delve into the detailed creation of a piece from scratch, with the aim of showing you the creative method I've developed and honed over the course of many years, rooted in improvisation with strokes and lines to generate suggested forms and composition. We'll explore the use of various materials to develop art from imagination with a symbolist result.

All this culminates in a piece where we'll review construction, form, line, light and shadow, and other crucial elements in making art.

To get ourselves going, we'll first explore establishing compositions that intrigue us, then organise them with the interplay of strokes. After this, we'll add solidity and volume to our forms, achieving order in light and shadow masses while refining our material use.

My own preferences lean towards traditional methods, particularly figurative artwork that features symbolism, surrealism, imagination and expression. I create without any references, emphasising patience, contemplation, and connection with my work. The process should always be open to new possibilities; what emerges should surprise and reveal new insights, much like dreams that unfold with spontaneous creations and emotional stimulation.

In my view, art should be linked to this process, where the technique serves to refine and accompany your creativity. While drawing relies on traditional technical foundations, its real strength lies in creative and playful expression.

1 Stimulate your imagination