Artist of the Month July 2015

Dan Pyle

West Hollywood, California

Working exclusively in charcoal, Dan uses a realistic style that mimics photography to the point that his drawings are often mistaken for photos. He loves shadows, contrast, anonymity and using negative space in his compositions. Dan’s gifted eye catches timeless fragments of life in his work---whether it’s the intricate lines of the human hand, the delicate folds of a garment, or a tarnished piece of silver, they are drawn in detailed simplicity.

 With virtually no formal training, Dan has been drawing since childhood. His internationally award winning work has been displayed in art shows and galleries in Palm Springs, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Hollywood, Santa Ana, Long Beach, Pasadena, Provincetown & New York. His clientele now extends to other countries, such as Canada, Malaysia and Germany. His work has been published in many art magazines and books, and over 20 of his drawings are permanently installed in the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas, as part of their impressive art collection.

Dan’s work celebrates his relentless enthusiasm for detail, through a vast collection of subject matter. From muscular figures, to distressed objects from the past, he continues to challenge perfection.

How and when did you start creating art?

I have been drawing since childhood, and was always very artistic, growing up. I had some good opportunities through high school & local art shows, to start selling my work. Art wasn’t my main focus until about 12-15 years ago, when I started building a viable collection & began getting gallery representation.

What media and genres do you work in?

I experimented in most mediums but found charcoal to be my medium of choice. I work almost exclusively in charcoal, but occasionally use a minimal touch of chalk pastel with the charcoal for a little color depth. Charcoal can give me such a range of shades & depth. Its perfect for the type of images I like to draw.

Who or what are your influences?

I think I am most influenced by black & white photography. It inspires me to strive for true realism in my drawings. I also find inspiration in artists like Robert Longo, and find inspiration in unexpected places, just by being aware & observant in daily life.

What was your inspiration for One Red Book?

I love to draw vintage objects, especially if they are distressed or worn. I visit antique & thrift stores to find subjects, which I photograph & then draw. I found this stack of books in one such shop & loved the way the light was playing on them, as well as their tattered condition. To add interest, I colored just the one book with red pastel.

Describe your creative process?

I’m always looking for a challenge. I either work with models for my figure drawings or search out objects of interest. I photograph my subjects & then use my own photos to draw from. I also feel that it doesn’t end there—the matting & framing of a piece can really enhance & add to the composition or mood of the drawing. For instance, “One Red Book” is matted off to one side, isolating the stack of books within the frame & further allowing the red book to draw your eye.

What are you working on currently?

Currently I just started a new drawing of a grouping of old clocks. The challenge here is getting the round faces correct, in the proper perspective, along with the numbers on the faces & all those little minute dots that must be spaced meticulously & forshortened.

What are your near/long term goals as an artist?

At the moment, I am working on representation in Europe, to expand my exposure. I have had a few international sales & believe I have an audience in other countries as well as here at home. I would love to get to the point of being financially able to quit my day job & concentrate on just the art. I think many artists have that same dream.

Where can people view/purchase your work (gallery, website, etc)?

My work can be viewed online on my website: DanPyleArtist.com

On the exhibits page, you will find the galleries that are showing my work, ongoing.  For updates of shows or to view new work, I post events & new drawings on Facebook & there is a link on my website, to join me.