ARTLYSAS

Hello Dear Artlysas. Thank you for giving us the chance to Interview with you. Can you share more about your background and what initially drew you to both traditional and digital mediums?

I have an artistic background in watercolor painting where I was initially drawn to botanical art and hyper realistic works. I love to explore details in plant studies and life like hyper realistic renderings as I was a student of life science. The textured pattern of watercolors and acrylic canvases actually drew my attention to traditional mediums. 

Overtime I expanded my creative vision to include human portraits, original fantasy creatures, and mythological characters in my artwork. Initially, I was doing my artwork in traditional mediums (watercolors, acrylic mediums). However, with time I started using Photoshop and Procreate softwares for painting original illustrative and fantasy surreal digital portraits, which beautifully blends realism with a touch of magic. I continue to incorporate the same textured pattern of watercolors and acrylic or oil canvases in my digital portraits or fantasy portraits  through my customized brushes, or combine my traditional sketches or color palettes in my digital works, as I am still very much inspired by the traditional medium’s textured patterns and elements.

2. Your work has been featured in esteemed international art magazines. How has this recognition impacted your career and artistic vision?

Having my artwork featured in esteemed international art magazines has been an incredibly fulfilling milestone in my journey as an artist. It has not only provided greater visibility and opportunities, but has also reinforced my confidence in my artistic vision. Seeing my work recognized on greater platforms has encouraged me to push my creative boundaries, experiment with new ideas, and refine my storytelling through art. Now, I know that whatever I have been doing so far has been successful, and the greater audience loves it. It has also connected me with a wider audience and fellow artists worldwide, fostering meaningful exchanges and inspiration. This recognition serves as both motivation and validation, driving me to continue evolving and sharing my passion for art with the world. Isn’t it satisfying for an artist to see herself, fulfilling the demands of the audience through her creations?

3. Could you discuss the role of technology in your creative process and how it influences your artistic practice?

I think we all use technology at some point of our life and being a person of science, I always depend on technology. Be it art or be it science, technology has always been my go to process. Technology plays a significant role in my creative process as well. As I use Digital Medium for painting, technology serves as both a tool for exploration and a means of enhancing my artistic practices. I have learnt several of my artistic skills through online technological applications. While my foundation lies in traditional mediums, like watercolor, I often use digital tools as I have already mentioned. Starting from brainstorming, refining compositions and experimenting with color palette, mood boards, digital painting technology helps me in every step before committing to a final piece. Digital sketching allows me to quickly visualize ideas. It makes adjustments and layers intricate details that might be more challenging in traditional mediums. Technology also helps in research and in gathering various knowledge about a particular art or theme. Knowledge is now at our fingertips, which was previously more challenging for example, reference photos. However, now with technology, everything has become much easier. 

4. Imaginative realism is a central theme in your work. What inspires you to explore this genre, and how do you approach creating such pieces?

Imaginative realism allows me to bridge the gap between reality and fantasy, blending meticulous detail with a sense of wonder. My work mainly focuses on fantasy themes, and I try to portray the beauty of a woman by working with enchanting themes and embellishing them with jewelry and designer clothes. I’m deeply inspired by folklore, mythology, vintage aesthetics, and the natural world elements that fuel my desire to create art that feels both familiar and otherworldly. My background in botanical art, and hyper realism has given me a strong foundation in observation, which I now used to render fantasy with a sense of believability.

I generally approach creating imaginative realistic art by trying to delicately balance between reality and fantasy, where I blend detailed observation with creative storytelling. My approach begins with a strong conceptual foundation—whether inspired by folklore, mythology, nature, or historical influences. I immerse myself in research, gathering references for elements like clothing, gestures, flora, and lighting to ensure authenticity while maintaining a dream-like quality.

Sketching is my next step, where I explore different compositions and refine the anatomy, proportions, and overall structure. Even though my work lies into fantasy, I rely on realism to ground my characters and environments, making them feel believable. I pay particular attention to intricate details-textures, patterns, and expressions, so that each piece feels rich with depth and emotion. Lighting and atmosphere also plays a key role in setting the mood, often adding an ethereal or mystical quality to my work. Whether using traditional or digital mediums, I build up layers to create depth, ensuring a seamless blend between realism and imagination.

5. Collaboration seems to be a vital part of your artistic growth. How do you approach collaborations, and what do you hope to achieve through them?

Collaboration is an enriching aspect of my artistic journey, offering new perspectives, challenges, and creative growth. I approach collaborations with an open mind, seeking synergy between my artistic vision, and that of my collaborator, whether it’s another artist, a writer, or a brand. The key for me is finding a shared narrative or aesthetic that enhances both our works while allowing space for individual expression. 

I did several collaborations with my artist friends and other magazines, and also with some writers as well. My process typically begins with discussions about themes, inspirations, and objectives. I enjoy exploring how our styles or ideas get merged to create something unique—whether true combining of different techniques, blending realism with abstraction, or storytelling through visual art. Communication and trust are crucial, ensuring that each voice is heard and that the final piece reflects a true creative fusion.

Through collaborations, I aim to expand my artistic vocabulary, reach new audiences, and create work that pushes beyond my usual boundaries. It’s also a way to celebrate artistic diversity and build meaningful connections within the creative community. Ultimately, I see collaborations as a space for exploration, learning, and the joy of creating something greater than what I could achieve alone.

6. What are some of the challenges you face in merging traditional and digital art, and how do you overcome them?

Merging traditional, and digital art presents both creative opportunities and unique challenges. One of the biggest challenges is maintaining the organic field of traditional media, while leveraging the flexibility of digital tools. Watercolor for example, has a distinct texture, unpredictability, and depth that can be difficult to replicate digitally. To bridge this gap, I often scan or photograph my traditional work at high resolution and refine details, digitally, ensuring that the final piece retains the authenticity of hand painted textures.

Another challenge is adapting to different workflows. Traditional art follows a linear process, while digital art allows for infinite revisions. This can sometimes make it tempting to overwork a piece. To maintain balance, I treat my digital process with the same discipline as traditional painting, setting limits on refinement and trusting my instincts.

Additionally, color translation can be tricky. Colors may appear  different on screens versus paper, so I make adjustments to ensure consistency, especially when preparing artwork for print. It should be kept in mind that printing works require different settings while doing digital medium works.

Ultimately, I see the fusion of both mediums as a strength. It allows me to push creative boundaries, while honoring that tactile beauty of traditional techniques. By embracing both, I can explore new ways to bring imaginative realism to life with depth, texture, and storytelling.

7. As you aspire to expand your presence on international platforms, what are your future goals and how do you plan to achieve them?

Expanding my presence on international platforms is an important step in my artistic journey, and my future goals reflect both creative growth and professional milestones. One of my key aspirations is to showcase my work in esteemed international galleries and exhibitions, allowing my art to reach a wider audience and engage with collector, curators on a global scale. I also aim to collaborate with publishers, brands, and creative industries that align with my artistic vision, bringing my imaginative realism into divorce projects such as book illustrations, concept-art, and fashion.

To achieve these goals, I am focusing on building a strong portfolio that reflects my artistic identity, while continuously refining my skills. Networking plays a crucial role, so I actively participate in art communities, online platforms, and international competitions. Additionally, I plan to leverage digital tools and social media to enhance my visibility, ensuring my work is accessible to art enthusiasts and industry professionals worldwide.

Beyond recognition, my ultimate goal is to create work that resonates deeply with people, inspiring emotion and imagination. By staying true to my vision, while embracing new opportunities, I hope to carve a meaningful space for my art on the international stage.

Artlysas