Painter Duma Arantes, part of Runway Gallery, talks about her artistic process ‘I enjoy the mysterious side of Human nature’
What does your typical day look like?
I usually get up at 8:30am to start teaching painting and drawing classes in my studio. after lunch it’s my time, and I paint all afternoon. at the end of the day I like to relax with a book or the tV, or sometimes go out with my husband. I like to end the week with a concert, if I can.
Tell us about your creative process?
I always start with a photograph: I’ll use photos I’ve taken or from other sources. then I cut out the part of the photo I want to use for reference. I’ll draw on it, dividing it into all its different elements of shade and light. this helps my painting look like an illustration. then I draw directly on the canvas, transferring the image with the maximum precision I can. Next I start to paint the first layer. later, I add a second and a third layer of oil and more velaturas (or glazings). I love all the possibilities oil paint gives — the smoothness and elasticity are amazing.
how would you describe your style? It’s clean and precise, like a digital illustration. I love graphic design and photography, so I decided to incorporate that feeling in my work.
What is it that draws you to the female face? And why do you never show all of it? It’s interesting that even as a child, I always liked to draw people – especially my dolls. Now I paint only parts of female figures. My goal is not to represent anyone specific, but rather the female universe with all its beauty, tenderness, fragility, strength – and also its contradictions.
I enjoy the mysterious side of human nature. My characters are never revealed in their entirety; I leave room for interpretation. I think my art possesses more life when the viewer is given space to create a character. Every person sees different things and that is fascinating. the artwork is completed in the mind of each individual spectator.
Do you have a favourite colour palette? I like to use lots of neutral tones. then I use one or two strong colours to give contrast and strength. I like to use black and red, as they give the sensation of power and, at the same time, protection.
Do you have any advice for younger artists? be genuine in your art. Don’t try to represent things that you don’t care about.