Meet Lois van Baarle: Digital Illustrator & Animator

Lois Van Baarle Girl in Water Digital Illustration | Photoshop Art Computer Art

When I first saw Lois van Baarle’s illustrations, I thought I was looking at deeply pigmented oil paintings. After ending up on her website, I learned that they were actually digital illustrations – digital from start to finish! I know how popular digital drawing is nowadays, so maybe my surprise was a little dated. However, I really think you’ll enjoy and appreciate this artist’s special drawing style and color palettes.


 

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Please tell us a little about yourself and your artistic background. Where are you from? Where are you now?

I’m Lois van Baarle, a digital artist and animator. I’ve been drawing my whole life. I’m from the Netherlands, moved all around the world as a kid, and now live in the Netherlands again.

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Did you always want to be an artist? Were you ever unsure?

I always knew that I was good at drawing, but didn’t think I would actually have a career as an artist until I was 18 and decided to try animation. I didn’t think it was possible to make a living off of art but I took the gamble and fortunately things worked out!

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What’s your studio or workspace like?

It’s a small space – about 12 square meters – with a computer desk, drawing/note taking desk, and lunch table. It’s pretty boring and office-like to be honest. There’s a coffee machine and a printer and all that stuff.

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What’s your process like? Do you strictly use digital mediums or is there drawing outside of that to gain momentum? 

I use digital media only. I tend to work digitally from initial sketch all the way to the finish. I sometimes keep a sketchbook but only if I’m going through a phase where I feel like sketching with pencil a lot – it’s been a while since one of those phases though!

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I have been anticipating this interview because of your particular expertise. I never use digital programs or tablets, and every day I see more and more artists either moving towards digital art or at least incorporating the tools. I am so curious! So, what would you say are its strengths? Why do you prefer to work with Photoshop and tablets versus pen and ink or pencil? 

Digital art is a really flexible medium. You can make changes to your work throughout the process, and use a variety of tools to get the result you want. I really like using it because I can start very rough and jump straight into the coloring process without too much trouble. I can always take a step back if I need to. I feel like doing this with traditional media would result in some really botched up work, since my process is so messy and I tend to change the color scheme many times throughout. I’m not much of a planner which makes digital media ideal for me.

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What are your favorite art supplies/tools?

My cintiq 24HD!

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Do you collect anything?

Unfortunately I’m pretty boring – nope, I don’t collect anything!

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What makes you happiest in life?

Sunshine, nature, and my boyfriend.


self portrait process from Lois van Baarle on Vimeo.


Find Lois Van Baarle Here:

Web | Deviant Art | Vimeo | Instagram | Facebook

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8 thoughts on “Meet Lois van Baarle: Digital Illustrator & Animator

  1. Elizabeth O. says:

    I admire artists and animators such as him. They are so talented and very creative. Their imagination is way beyond the normal and that’s really something I find fascinating!

  2. Jeanine says:

    Wow, these are amazing. I had never heard of lois before, but looking at these its clear I need to check out more.

  3. Rosey says:

    How wonderful to be able to do what you are good at and love. That’s everyone’s dream and I love her work.

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