Meet Arto Isotalo

What's your background?

I live in Espoo, in southern Finland. I was born in Sweden and moved to Finland when I was 11. I have always had a passion for drawing and art is an important part of my life. I have studied art by visiting museums, reading art books, watching art videos and studying the works and techniques of the great masters.

What's your medium of choice when you're creating art?

I work in many mediums: oil colors, watercolors, charcoals, pastels, inks… I can't pick a favorite, I like all of them!

How did you build your creative habit?

I don't have a lot of time for art because of my day job (in engineering, mechanical design for medical devices), so I mainly do art late in the night if I have the energy :) I go to life drawing once a week, which is very good for keeping the habit of drawing going. I also carry a small sketchbook with me, so I can do a quick sketch every now and then.

When you find yourself in a creative rut, how do you get out of it?

I find it helps to switch to another medium or style of painting/drawing. That's why I don't think I really have my own "style" yet, I'm always trying something new to keep it interesting.

Which of your recent Sktchy artworks most expresses who you are now as an artist?

I'm currently trying to incorporate more abstract elements to my figurative works and portraits. To merge an accurate drawing to the background and surrounding shapes. Kind of like in this ink drawing.

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