Interview with Jesse Lane #coloredpencil #photorealism #imaginativerealism
“I paint hyperrealistic colored pencil portraits that explore private moments, creating stories in imaginative realism. ”
Jesse Lane (b.1990) is quickly becoming one of the world’s leading colored-pencil artists. His provocative portraits have won many national and international awards. Jesse's drawings have been featured in numerous prominent art magazines and publications. He is represented by RJD Gallery in New York. Jesse is a signature member of the Colored Pencil Society of America and a member of the Portrait Society of America and the International Guild of Realism. He works at his home studio in The Woodlands, Texas, alongside his talented artist wife, Kinsey. Jesse teaches workshops nationwide.
Q&A
What role does your artwork have in society?
In the art world, I want to pioneer colored pencil as a fine-art medium with detailed hyperrealism and deep personal expression. One portrait was the first colored-pencil piece to ever appear on the cover of “International Artist” magazine, and I’m the first colored-pencil artist to do an instructional video with Eric Rhode's Streamline Art Videos (the video is currently in production). My biggest goal is changing the perception of colored pencil in the art world.
What concept or narrative is behind your work?
I work in photorealism to capture someone's exact likeness. Still, only so much of a likeness can be captured with technique alone. My portraits show private moments, allowing the viewer to connect on a deep, emotional level. I make work that feels personal and memorable. Some of my pieces are underwater, where the ocean becomes a whimsical, solitary place for my subjects to explore their thoughts and feelings.
What is your ultimate goal for your artwork?
For many years, my greatest goal was to win the Best of Show CIPPY Award at the Colored Pencil Society of America's International Exhibition. It's the highest honor in colored-pencil art. In July, my newest piece "Undercurrents" won this award.
What turns has your art career taken?
For years, I drew close-up expressive portraits that became more photorealistic and detailed with each piece. My work shows personal struggle, and it still does. I got to a point where I wanted to explore both dark and light emotions simultaneously. I began creating underwater scenes that incorporate both whimsical and dark emotional tones. In addition to telling more elaborate imaginative stories, my work now resonates with me differently. We each approach life with our own perspective, seeing good at times and bad at times. Just like the tides, our emotions sway back and forth.
Who is your favorite artist and why?
Adrienne Stein is my favorite artist for her bold and experimental use of color, creating an enchanting, magical mood. Her figures in nature exist largely in solitude, and I can't help wonder about the women in her paintings. They feel historical in a way, yet timeless.
All artwork above are colored pencil on paper.
Jesse Lane is represented by RJD Gallery.
