Russell Stutler is an artist who was born in Japan, raised here in the U.S. and now lives in Tokyo. In the early 70’s he saw a television series on the life of Leonardo Da Vinci and it instilled in him a passion for sketching and drawing. He went to the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and received an Associate’s Degree in Visual Communication. Russ worked as a graphic artist while earning his Bachelor's Degree in Christian Ministries from Malone College. In 1987 he went to Japan to learn Japanese and work as a missionary. Staying permanently in Japan, he has worked as a freelance illustrator who has illustrated many books and magazine articles. He runs a great website that showcases his love of sketching, watercolor painting and much, much more.
I stumbled upon Russ’s site a few years ago and have spent many hours reading through it all. He discusses the tools and techniques of sketching and watercolor painting, using step by step pictures of his own work. There is a whole section on his sketchbook pages; filled with drawings of buildings, storefronts, houses and people he’s seen in and around Tokyo. His website also features a wonderful online book about sketching that he created and a Sketching Forum. The Sketching Forum is a great resource where people not only display their own sketches but also review the pens, paints and paper they used to create them. Be sure to set aside some time and check out Russ’s website and the Sketching Forum. Go here to buy some of Russ's drawings.
What is your favorite pen to use?
Brush pen.
Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
Mechanical pencil.
Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
Computer.
What type of paper do you use?
All digital now, no paper.
What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
Backgrounds.
Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
Local shop.
Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
No.
Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
No.
Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
Batman
What is or was your favorite comic strip?
Calvin and Hobbes
What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
None.
Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
Art Institute of Pittsburgh
Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
Both.
Did either of your parents draw?
No.
Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
Can't recall.
Do you keep a sketchbook?
Yes.
Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
No.
Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
Passion.
Do you collect anything and if so what?
Nothing.
If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
Don't know.
Are you a righty or lefty?
Righty.
If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
Anything I could find.
In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
Drawing board.
Do you play any musical instruments?
Yes, guitar.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
Consider a back up career and make art your hobby.
Who is your favorite artist?
Leonardo, Hokusai
Thanks again Russ.
Up next is alternative comics artist Ed Piskor.
I stumbled upon Russ’s site a few years ago and have spent many hours reading through it all. He discusses the tools and techniques of sketching and watercolor painting, using step by step pictures of his own work. There is a whole section on his sketchbook pages; filled with drawings of buildings, storefronts, houses and people he’s seen in and around Tokyo. His website also features a wonderful online book about sketching that he created and a Sketching Forum. The Sketching Forum is a great resource where people not only display their own sketches but also review the pens, paints and paper they used to create them. Be sure to set aside some time and check out Russ’s website and the Sketching Forum. Go here to buy some of Russ's drawings.
What is your favorite pen to use?
Brush pen.
Do you draw in pencil first and if so do you use a standard pencil or a mechanical one?
Mechanical pencil.
Do you do your coloring by hand or on the computer?
Computer.
What type of paper do you use?
All digital now, no paper.
What thing(s) do you hate to draw?
Backgrounds.
Do you buy your supplies from big chain art store catalogues/websites or a local one that you physically go to?
Local shop.
Are there any rituals that you do before starting to draw?
No.
Do you listen to music while you draw and if so what genre?
No.
Did you read comics as a kid and if so what was your favorite?
Batman
What is or was your favorite comic strip?
Calvin and Hobbes
What was your favorite book as a child and do you still own a copy of it?
None.
Did you have any formal art training and if so where did you receive it?
Art Institute of Pittsburgh
Do you feel that the Internet is a blessing or a curse?
Both.
Did either of your parents draw?
No.
Who in your life is/was the most supportive of your art?
Can't recall.
Do you keep a sketchbook?
Yes.
Have you ever taught cartooning/drawing and if so did you enjoy the experience?
No.
Do you feel that talent or passion is more important in drawing?
Passion.
Do you collect anything and if so what?
Nothing.
If you were an animated cartoon character who do you think you would be?
Don't know.
Are you a righty or lefty?
Righty.
If you weren't an artist what would you want to do for work?
Anything I could find.
In one or two sentences describe your drawing area.
Drawing board.
Do you play any musical instruments?
Yes, guitar.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone who wants to pursue drawing as a career what would it be?
Consider a back up career and make art your hobby.
Who is your favorite artist?
Leonardo, Hokusai
Thanks again Russ.
Up next is alternative comics artist Ed Piskor.
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1 comment:
Russell Stutler, man of little words. Gorgeous work though. I'm heading over to his website now. Thanks for the heads up, Dave!
P.L. Frederick (Small & Big)
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