Candace McKay is a self taught, freelance artist from Los Angeles, CA. She uses a blend of realism and a pop surreal twist to create the dream like states & scenarios within her painted ladies. Acrylic & colored pencil are her main mediums, but is also experienced in digital, watercolor, ink & more. Having shown in numerous galleries & shows, Candace has built an international following and has work in private collections throughout the world.
1. Tell us about your Background and Journey.
My name is Candace McKay and I have been a self-taught freelance artist since 2012. I've always loved drawing, but it was never a job consideration of mine! It wasn't until I dropped out of high school, feeling confused and alone, that I began to draw more than ever.
I got comfortable with sharing my drawings on Facebook, and to my surprise, people enjoyed them. As I discovered the big world of Pop Surrealism and Low Brow art, I felt inspired and started experimenting with different styles. Over time, social media became life-changing.
It linked me with other aspiring artists, galleries, and people in the art world. I quickly began to take it more serious and realized this is what I wanted to do. Everyday I had made something new and my style slowly developed more and more. Art quite literally saved me!
2. How would you describe your Style of Paintings?
Portraits, animals, nature, food! I love painting all kinds of things. Realism and cartoon/anime style are what I enjoy most, so I try to blend the two. My main focus is my (most of the time) female subject.
Incorporating things I am inspired by, I surround my subject and make them one with nature in dream-like states. Sometimes I tell a story through my art, and other times I just want to make something cute!
3. How does your Art evolve?
Before I became a full-time artist, I enjoyed sketching people with graphite, using reference from celebrities or cartoons. My first paintings were very colorful, big-eyed girls. As time went on, I started to tone down the cartoon-like features for a better blend with realism.
However, in 2021, my art is coming full circle! I have been painting bigger eyes again, but with everything I've learned since. It was a long journey and will continue to learn as long as I’m creating.
4. Which mediums do you usually work with and Why?
Since the very beginning, I have used colored pencil and acrylic. I've tried all sorts of mediums but those two have always stuck as my signature rendering style. Practicing these two mediums to "Perfection", I can say this is what makes my art mine!
Every piece I've worked on has been a learning experience and I'm so happy to have found what works for me. To anyone reading this, I encourage you to try every medium! Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things.
5. What is the thought process before creating an Artwork?
It goes one of two ways: super smoothly or extremely difficult! But it always comes down to starting with an idea, followed by a sketch. Lots and lots of sketching.
6. How do you overcome a Creative Block?
Overcoming a creative block is different for everyone. Personally, I take time off and try not to guilt myself for it. Sometimes I’ll play video games or try different mediums: sewing, felting, sculpting, etc. At times, our creativity just needs a break.
7. Which artist inspires you the most?
The beginning of my art journey was heavily inspired by PinkyToast, Camilla d'Errico, Audrey Kawasaki, Leilani Joy, Amy Sol, Stella Im Hultberg, Soey Milk, and Kathie Olivas.
Old masters such as John William Waterhouse, Claude Monet, and Gustav Klimt are timeless and will forever inspire me. Recently discovered artists who I love are Annie Stegg, Cotoh Tsumi, James Jean, Bao Pham, Eunpyon, and Little Thunder + so many more!
8. Which is your favorite Book and Why?
As much as I hate to admit it: I am not the biggest reader; I'd rather watch a film! However, I do enjoy reading mangas, comics, or anything else with art in it.
Interviewed By - Serene Ingle
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