Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyle McLoren.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Ever since I could first pick up a crayon, I have been drawing. Growing up as a kid in the late 70’s and early 80’s, I was entranced by Saturday morning cartoons, comics, creature-feature flicks like Godzilla and Mothra, and black and white monster movies. My imagination has always been in high-gear and to this day I still continue to envision other-worldly characters, monsters and beautiful worlds in my mind.
As I got older, I continued to draw on my imagination and when I was a young teen I was introduced to role-playing games. I would create and draw these dynamic characters with the finest details and back stories not only for myself, but for my friends. When I draw these people or creatures, I imagine what they would act like, their mannerisms; every little detail and then after the piece is done I suddenly miss them like when you read a good book that you don’t want to end.
While growing up in New England, my grandfather would take me hiking through the Appalachian Mountains and teach me about nature, and the breathtaking scenery would only spur on my imagination further.
As a young man, I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and learned more about brotherhood, comradery and friendship than in any other period in my life. I met some amazing people who also shared my passion for fantasy/Sci-Fi/comics and am friends with those same people to this day.
At one point, life took over and I stopped making art a priority and stopped drawing altogether; however, I found that I was denying myself something that was part of my soul. Whether it be a sketch, illustration or a story in my head I found that not allowing the artist within me to come forth was like a poison. Over the past few years, I have really stepped up my game in learning new techniques, continuously drawing and continuing to grow as an artist; but I believe you never stop learning and can only gain more knowledge. I am often asked for art advice or materials and the single most important thing I tell people is to never give up, that anything you really want requires hard work, and to keep creating every day. and I often remind my own self of this on a daily basis.
Please tell us about your art.
I think the main thing that I want people to take away from viewing my work is the beauty or strength of the person represented, or of the mood conveyed. I try to add as many little intricate details as possible to bring the character or creature to life and invoke something in the viewer. One of my favorite things to hear is when I show someone a completed work, let’s say 11×17, and they just stare at it for some time and say, “Look at all the detail”. Someone will point out a choker here, or a headdress there, or some other little piece and that’s when I say to myself, “I did it.” I feel that it is the little things that make all the difference in my work.
Mainly I draw monochrome or black & white work. Even though I know how to use color to push/pull distances, create warmth/cold, etc. I am red/green color-blind and I have found it is just too difficult for me. I have attempted color overlays on grayscale work, but I am still finding my own method for adding color to my pieces and honestly, I believe my black & white art is better. Most of the fantasy/dark art pieces I have completed recently are done on Stonehenge hot press water color paper with graphite, markers, ink and sometimes a little acrylic for certain areas.
I love to draw in pen and ink and try to have a purpose for each and every single line or dot that goes onto the paper. The boldness of the stark black on white paper and the pain-staking detail that must be done with pen and ink appeals to me. I often look through the works of Franklin Booth or Bernie Wrightson and the amount of detail and precision they applied to their art gives me something to keep striving towards.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing artists today?
Well for one thing, the amount of talent that is out there today is astounding. I grew up before there was the internet and you only saw other artist’s works from either books, friends, museums or art exhibits. Now at the touch of your fingers, there is a vast ocean of artistic works and some of the genius I see on a daily basis is astounding. I would say to anyone that is striving to be a better artist is don’t look at the amazing works and mentally belittle yourself; absorb what you see and use it as inspiration to become better. Always keep honing your skills, learning and trying new things. Some artists have stumbled upon some techniques that create beautifully rich and interesting pieces. Almost any artist, no matter their standing, that I have met to this day still thinks they can be better at their craft and always learn more.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I always welcome new friends to view my works, send good vibes or chat with me at any of the below sites:
Portfolio – https://kylemcloren.myportfolio.com/
Behance – https://www.behance.net/kylemcloren
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/kylemclorenart/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/artofkylemcloren/
If anyone would like to contact me about a commission, project or personal piece they always welcome to reach out to me directly and I will respond as quickly as I am able. High quality prints of my work are also coming soon and any updates will be on Facebook or Instagram.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.behance.net/kylemcloren
- Email: kylemcloren@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylemclorenart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artofkylemcloren/
- Other: https://kylemcloren.myportfolio.com/
Image Credit:
All original artworks copyright Kyle McLoren 2018
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