Darryl Petrucci – ARTIST

Darryl Petrucci

Interview with freelance artist Darryl Petrucci —

1. Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Darryl Petrucci and I’m a freelance artist.

“Allosaurus 2”

2. Why art, and what is your earliest memory of wanting to be an artist?
I remember my Dad drawing me a picture of Donald Duck. I thought it was really cool to see something recognizable just materialize in front of my eyes. I don’t remember how old I was, but I remember just being in awe the whole time.

“Assassin”

3. What are your favorite subject(s) and media(s)?
I gravitate towards monsters, fantasy themes, horror, comics. All the fun stuff! I pretty much work digitally, but I’ve used acrylics and oils in the past. I enjoy painting, the process, but I love the advantages that digital paint offers; no dry time, the ability to try ideas without a full ‘repaint’ and going back and revisiting an idea is great. Time is a huge factor for me, I work a full time job in addition to my art. But, I still love pencil, probably my favorite.

“Mech 45”

4. How do you work and approach your subject?
It really depends on the theme or subject. I try to come up some idea, then work towards a dynamic composition, something interesting. Sometimes it begins with a sketch on paper, or iPad then I move onto a lager canvas in Photoshop. A lot of times I work in black and white, just concentrating on the values, trying to come up with a strong image first. Then I’ll go back and figure out the color and mood, and final lighting.

“Doctor Who”

5. What are your favorite art work(s), artist(s)?
There are so many artists that I admire and am in awe of their work, it’s tough to pick favorites. Todd Lockwood, Gerald Brom, Frank Frazetta, Michael Whelan, Wayne Barlowe, all huge artists. Looking at their work and seeing how good it is, saying to myself ‘That…that’s what I want to do.’

“Smoking Gun”

6. What are the best responses you have had to your work?
I gave a print of mine to Jim Steranko, comics legend and a fantastic painter. It was a film noir inspired piece. He said, “Well that’s about as Noir as it gets. And I know you spent a long time choosing the color of her lipstick, because that’s what we do, isn’t it?” I grinned at him like an idiot. He’s an awesome guy.

“Fallen Angel”

7. What do you like about your work?
Not a lot, I’m always seeing the flaws! But every now and then it’s those a-ha moments when something clicks, or I pull something off that I wasn’t sure of, makes it all worth it.

8. What advice would you give to other artists?
I don’t think I’m at a level to give advice, but practice, experiment, practice, look at other artists, cry in frustration, practice, experiment. Forever a student.

“The Guardian

9. Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
Ultimately creating art full-time. Taking my art to the next level, improving my skills. I’d love to do concept work, collaborate with other artists, but still do illustration. Book covers are a lot of fun. really just anything and everything, where I can create something that people can enjoy.

Darryl Petrucci

LINKS —

Website: http://darrylpetrucci.squarespace.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artistdarrylpetrucci