Xiong Yanteng
Interview with featured artist and 1st place winner of the 2023 Portrait competition: Xiong Yanteng
December 2023
Green Choker, Colored Pencil, 11 x 14 inch, 2022
Xiong Yanteng is a member of the American Artists Professional Alliance，Member of Portrait Society of America. He has been learning to paint since he was 5 years old. Graduated from the Oil Painting Department of the Academy of Fine Arts, Minzu University of China. Below is an interview with the artist with images and information in regards to his artwork.
INTERVIEW:
Your colored pencil portraits exhibit incredible realism. Could you walk us through your process for creating these lifelike images, from selecting the subject to the finishing touches?
I usually choose the picture effect and model image that I like better for painting. This year I mainly used my wife as the main subject of my creation. I usually use the observation method of sketching and the intuitive feeling of color to render the picture layer by layer. At the beginning, I will draw faster, focusing on the overall picture, then slower and slower, sculpting each part until I am satisfied, and finally return to the overall adjustment of the picture.
Patience and attention to detail are critical in your art form. Can you share some insights into how you maintain focus and motivation throughout the often time-consuming process of creating a portrait?
I usually like sports and fitness. They cultivate my perseverance and make my body energetic. Painting fascinates me. I don't paint for exhibitions and sales, I just love it.
Do you use any specific tools or brands of colored pencils that you find particularly effective for your work? How do you choose the appropriate paper or surface for your colored pencil portraits?
I use the most expensive colored pencils currently on the market: Caran d'Ache Luminance colored pencils.The 300 Series Bristol smooth paper is an economical heavyweight board ideal for finished artwork. Smooth surface Bristol is best used for colored pencil drawing.
Where do you draw inspiration for your artwork? Are there specific artists, movements, or life experiences that influence your work?
I like the hyper-realistic oil painting portrait style of Leng Jun. I have seen his original works, which have a great influence on me. What I love about drawing with the colored pencil medium is that I can stop at any time and continue at any time, which gives me a lot of freedom in time and process.
How do you see your style developing over time?
At the moment I just want to improve my skills to produce higher quality works. As for your future style as you grow older, let it develop freely.
How do you overcome creative blocks or challenges when working on a project? Are there any particular strategies or rituals you follow?
I sometimes stop when I hit a creative block. I will go to art museums or galleries, travel, and exercise.
Can you talk about any upcoming projects or exhibitions you're excited about? What can your audience expect to see from you in the near future?
My works have been selected for the Los Angeles Superfine Art Fair from October 12 to 15, 2023, the 95th American National Exhibition in New York from November 6 to 24, 2023, and many famous recent exhibitions. Award-winning group and solo exhibitions at Art.com. There have also been many art-related magazines published in recent months. The audience will see my original works and more works, bringing more different visual experiences.
How has the digital age and technology influenced your art? Do you use digital tools or platforms in your creative process?
I am a traditional style realistic painter. I don’t understand the digital age and technology, and I am not very good at using it. Maybe I will learn about it and try it in the future.
What advice would you give to aspiring visual artists who are just starting their creative journey?
Girl with Twin Ponytails Runqiao | Colorpencil
Don't be too focused on the results, enjoy the process of painting, put your heart and soul into it and stay passionate about it.
Is there anything else you'd like to add or share about your art, your process, or your journey as an artist?
Art comes from life. We must love life, love the people around us, see the world with love, and treat people with sincerity and kindness. Your pictures will have warmth and emotion, not just technical delicacy. Finally, I hope that everyone who loves art and painting can have a good life experience.
Thank you Xiong!
About the Artist:
Xiong Yanteng is a young painter who began his artistic journey at the age of five. He graduated from the Oil Painting Department of the Academy of Fine Arts, Minzu University of China. He has been fascinated by Western classical oil paintings from an early age, and this fascination eventually led him to travel to the United States in 2015 for further artistic exploration. During his undergraduate studies in the Oil Painting Department, he continued to receive prestigious scholarships, including first-class professional scholarships, as well as many other awards. He has received numerous international honors, including multiple first prizes and top three international portrait awards, as well as accolades such as Outstanding Artist and Shortlisted Merit Awards. He has also received several international awards in the painting category. His talents have been showcased at prestigious events such as national exhibitions in the United States, and his works have been selected for online and solo exhibitions hosted by several internationally renowned art websites. In addition, Xiong's art works have been selected into many physical art exhibitions in New York, Los Angeles, Beijing, etc. His artistic pursuits revolve around creating extremely complex paintings. Xiong is particularly fascinated by the art of colored lead portraiture. Every hair and eyebrow is carefully rendered, striving to achieve a warm and realistic portrait.
For Xiong, portrait art is more than just capturing a frozen moment, but subtly telling a story through his paintings. His works deeply explore the different personalities and emotions within each person. His portraits have also been recognized in print media, having been published in respected publications such as American Art Collector and Artist Magazine. Bear’s art has caused a stir on various social media platforms, news outlets, and art-related events.
His work has been highlighted in Google News and featured on dedicated Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube channels, revealing his award-winning creative and artistic journey. Xiong Yanteng’s story is filled with passion, dedication and unwavering commitment to the art of portraiture and painting, transcending national borders and leaving an indelible mark on the international art world.