Sit Down With Our #090 Featured Artist

 Christophe Périnaud

Featured Artist / #123 ScrawlrBox 

Hi! I'm Christophe Périnaud known as ChrisSketching on Instagram. I'm a self taught artist from France. I started to draw 6 years ago after a (very) long time to be afraid to hold a pencil and do my first sketch.I love the feeling of the pencil or nib moving softly over the paper, the paper texture making vibration into the pen.I quickly defined my style as a mix of ink and watercolor, creating a contrast that brings drawings to life on the white paper.I love to try, test, learn, try again, add something new, fail (often) and draw again.What I love the most to draw is organic structure and architecture (another contrast), in particular the storefronts, with details and small objects that can make the drawing like a memory.On my desk you can find so many different black ink bottles that I love to use and my drawers are full of fineliners and paper.As an IT engineer, art is the time where screens and social networks are off and I'm back to the essential: my imagination.

We love your sketchy style! How would you describe your artistic “voice” or signature style when someone sees a sketch by ChrisSketching?

Lines of black ink beneath bubbles of colour!For me, lines represent precision and structure. Colour, sometimes soft or vibrant, brings softness and emotion.I love this contrast, which ultimately also represents who I am.

You often depict nature, architecture, and fine detail. Where do you find your biggest sources of inspiration — real life, travel, memory, or imagination?

I try to draw from a different source: art books, comics, videos, artists, photos, etc.I'm looking for that feeling that when I see an object, a photo, or an illustration, I want to make it my own and create my own version.

Do you have a favourite piece you have created?

I have several but for different reasons. Either because it was a challenge to do, a new technique or a result that I can be proud of. The common point is the pleasure of looking at the result. If I have to choose one, it would be a storefront. It represents what I like: a cafe, a beautiful shop and England (With my wife, we love going on vacation in this country)

When starting a piece, do you work from reference photos, sketches, or live observation — and how much does the final piece diverge from your initial sketch?

99% of the time I start by collecting photos. I may sometimes edit my drawing to make it look different from reality and more like I imagine it to be. Like adding plants, trees, posters, etc. Almost none of my drawings look exactly like the original version.

Your Instagram shows a strong affinity for pen & ink illustrations, sometimes blended with watercolour. What first drew you to working with pens and line-based art?

I love the balance (and contrast) between the black of the ink and the colours of the watercolour. When I started drawing, I looked a lot at the work of other artists and each time the ones that caught my attention and made me want to try were this mix of ink and watercolour. It offers great possibilities.

Tea or coffee?

Coffee in the morning and tea in the afternoon and/or the evening. I can’t have a day without a hot drink. Even in summer.