Featured Fan Artist: Valeria Audenino

As you may remember from our last Fan Feature, we really enjoy showcasing some of the massive talent that resides within the Skinner Brothers community as a whole, and specifically our home base- The Skinner Brothers Family Facebook group. We have artists of every variety, working with all different types of media to bring us some of the most stunning pieces you will ever see, and we thought it would be nice to take some time to get to know a little more about them and their individual crafts.

With that said, I am happy to announce our second featured Fan Artist, Valeria Audenino! Valeria has been an integral member of our group for some time now- she is thoughtful, supportive, and always quick with a kind word to anyone that may need to hear it. Not to mention the art that she contributes is absolutely jaw-dropping as well! It has been an honor getting to know a bit more about her style, and I can't wait to see what she creates next!

(Please forgive any grammatical errors here- I didn't want to edit anything in a way that would change its meaning, and these questions and answers have been translated from Italian to English and back several times. Poor Google is doing its best!)

Enough chit-chat, let's get right into it!

Q: How long have you been creating art and what inspired you to start?

A: My artistic journey is quite unique. I've been drawing since I was a child. When I was little, communication with the outside world was impossible. I was a shy and different child, and my way of expressing myself and feeling alive was drawing. I don't remember a beginning because it's always been that way! I drew animals and sometimes I'd capture the faces of adults. I never attended art school. At times in my life, I draw for inspiration; I'm self-taught, so to speak. Sometimes years go by and I don't create anything. I've never managed to turn my talent into a profession, for many reasons, and also because the right moment "arrives." When I decide to make a drawing or a painting, I'm very critical of myself. I go through moments of crisis and extreme joy.

Q: What is it about The Skinner Brothers that first motivated you to create fan art?

A: When I met the Skinner Brothers, it was love at first sight! I immediately felt intrigued by the band's unique style, a style unlike any other—special, strange, unique. Loving their music, I felt a strong desire to draw Zachary's face. Bringing out his hidden gaze, understanding the beauty of that album cover... it's like an evolution of album covers. It's hard to explain the crazy moments I spent bringing Soul Boy's features to life. That drawing was like a musician making his own song! An exchange of creative energy. Depending on the light, that drawing changes on its own... truly! And how many hours spent looking at it, questioning my abilities, every pencil line! I'm truly grateful to the Skinner Brothers family for appreciating my art; all of this moves me so much.

I can say that I want to bring out the subject's soul.

Q: How would you describe your art style, and are there any styles you'd like to delve into but haven't yet?

A: I can't describe my artistic style in terms of technique because I haven't learned from anyone. I can say that I want to bring out the subject's soul. I like to portray faces, especially the eyes. Thinking about it, I wouldn't want to experiment with new styles because mine is like that... and it's already very complicated, sometimes (often :) it makes me go into crisis mode! As I create over the years, I see the process and the emotional state change even from the pencil line.

Q: What is your favourite artistic medium, and which mediums would you most like to experiment with?

A: In my twenties, I had a passion for comics. I drew female figures, also inspired by great Italian artists. Music has always been a strong medium for me. Years ago, I drew musicians, which I then gave away. And then one day, two years ago, Ren arrived. I fell down the rabbit hole, and my love for him and his music brought back a strong desire to pick up a pencil. I'm very attached to the painting "Blindeyed Ren"... the oil on canvas, an intense work that marked a period of my life. Sometimes I look at it and can't believe I painted it! I wish I could give it to him as a gift, one day.

Q: Are there any tools in particular that are favourites to use?

A: I use a 3B pencil on plain paper, sometimes watercolors and colored pencils. I bring life to my work with bold or light lines, depending on how you paint. I'm left-handed, and generally, left-handed artists have some quirks! Years ago, I bought paints and an easel and tried painting on canvas for the first time. It was an extraordinary experience, and I realized I could do it. I've only done a few paintings on canvas, but those few I did blew me away, in every sense of the word! Oil on canvas has a powerful effect. It's an introspective technique that teaches you a lot. Pencil is perhaps my favorite; it travels well with me.

Q: Where is your cosy place? The place you feel most at ease when creating?

A: The place where I create is home. Where I live. When it comes time to draw, it's intense for me. I can have a major crisis if a figure doesn't "come out"! Time stops or dilates, I don't eat or sleep sometimes! If I'm working on a painting or drawing, I go into isolation. I need time, silence, music, inspiration, madness. A quiet place. My own.

If I'm working on a painting or drawing, I go into isolation. I need time, silence, music, inspiration, madness.

Q: Do you have any advice for all the aspiring artists out there who are just beginning to learn their craft?

A: It may seem a bit banal, but I feel like saying listen to your talent, trust your creative process, whatever it is. Love what you do. I don't know... I think being an artist in this absurd world isn't that simple, but if being one with all of yourself makes you live, then by all means go ahead. Every art form has the gift of true communication.

Q: Anything else you'd like to add for the readers?

A: Thank you so much for appreciating my work, I can't find the right words... I've never had such a beautiful experience! I'm always so emotional. Thank you, SB family ♥️

Thank you for taking the time to chat with us, Valeria! It has been so inspiring to get a little peek inside your world! I think I can speak for all of us when I say the work you do is incredible, and I hope you do get to send that portrait to Ren one day! I am sure he would love it just as much as we do!

Go check out more of Valeria's amazing work on Instagram.