Interview : Alan Lathwell    Part 2 

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IA: What’s the most important part in your creative process and why?

AL: The most important part is the initial spark of an idea and capturing it quickly on paper. From then on the process is to bring this sketch to life without losing the spirit of the original vision. What’s really exciting is when a rough sketch instantly works, if I have to rework it too much it loses some of its energy and spontaneity.

IA: Is there a particular part you like to focus on?

AL: Figures are central to my pictures and as such this is where most of my time is spent. The process of bringing the characters to life, whether man or monster, is enjoyable but at the same time it can also be the most frustrating part!

IA: What are your favorite tools? Why?

AL: Before digital, I worked with oil paint almost exclusively so I’m always looking for ways to replicate oils and I find Painter is definitely best for this. I particularly like the palette knives, which smudge the color around just like real oil paint.

IA: What do you expect when you share your artwork with the graphic community?

AL: Initially, when I first uploaded my images to the community websites, it was with the idea of showing potential clients my images. I certainly didn’t expect all the comments and feedback that I did receive and I have found it invaluable, as a fresh perspective is always helpful. The reception a new upload receives is a useful gauge of how successful an image is! It is also a great way of keeping an eye on what other people are doing and reminding you just how good the art is out there!

IA: Who are the artists (digital/classical) that have influenced you?

AL: This is a hard question to answer as there have been so many; however, there are a few that I keep coming back to. In the fantasy field, definitely Philippe Druillet whose dark fantasy comic “Yragael” had a huge impact on me. And Frank Frazetta, whose adrenalin fuelled images always inspire me. I also love the Pre-Raphaelites and Victorian painters, particularly Herbert Draper, J.M. Waterhouse and Frederic Leighton whose use of color and brushwork is just breathtaking.

IA: What are other sources of influence?

AL: Again there are many, I’ve already mention Celtic and Norse mythology. Well, I love mythology in general and I find it a great source of inspiration. Films have been a great influence. I suppose the early films that made an impact on me would be Star Wars, Planet of the Apes, Alien and the good old Ray Harryhausen classics such as Jason and the Argonoughts and Clash of the Titans; they really fed my imagination as a kid. I also read a lot of Michael Moorcock when I was growing up and enjoyed his Eternal Champion sagas like the Elric and Corum books.