Featured Artist Samantha Wells

British artist Samantha Wells creates digital paintings of women in ethereal, fantasylike settings. View her website to see more of her art.

 

Digital oil painting of a ballerina in a red tutu by Samantha Wells

“Strike A Pose” Digital, Various Sizes

 

I am a self-taught artist based on the Isle of Wight working with new media creating digital oil paintings. I have always been creative, and fell in love with the artwork of Brian Froud when I was a child. As I grew up, the idea that I could use my imagination to create my own world never left me.

 

“Beauty Born” Digital, Various Sizes

 

I often drew pictures, but it was never enough for me. In 2013 I took up photography and was excited with what I could produce with a camera. But I still felt that it wasn’t enough. Three years later, I found computer software that used 3D models. I quickly realised I could use these models to make my imagination a reality. I put away the camera and concentrated solely on learning everything I could about this software.

 

Digital oil painting of a woman with bird wings by Samantha Wells

“Angel Rays” Digital, Various Sizes

 

My main goal is to make my 3D models look as real as possible so you would never know they were not real people. This makes me very selective when choosing my models.

 

Digital oil painting of a woman in a lily plant by Samantha Wells

“Lilly” Digital, Various Sizes

 

As my art developed, my fascination with the Old Masters grew. I love how they used light and shadow along with the vivid colours and earthy tones. I am drawn to darker images when creating, and I use a lot of earthy colours myself.

 

Digital oil painting of a woman in emerging from tree limbs by Samantha Wells

“Welcome To My Jungle” Digital, Various Sizes

 

I have tried many different styles of art and techniques over the years. This led me to focus on women and oil paintings, and that combination is now my art style. However, I am always learning and would like to incorporate new brushes and software into my creative process.

 

Digital oil portrait of a woman and doves by Samantha Wells

“Imperfections” Digital, Various Sizes

 

I highlight women as the beautiful beings they are. My models may seem fragile at first glance. Take a deeper look and you actually see that they are stronger than first perceived.

 

Digital oil painting of a woman in white playing the violin by Samantha Wells

“Taming the Waters” Digital, Various Sizes

 

I create the foundation for a piece of art in the 3D software. Here I pose my female model, dress her, apply makeup, and do her hair. I then pick my lights and camera, much like any photographer does. The image is then rendered for a few hours through Nvidia’s Iray Graphics. This transforms the scene from 3D to look like a real image taken with a camera.

 

Digital oil painting of a woman in red on a rock looking out to sea by Samantha Wells

“The Beacon” Digital, Various Sizes

 

I build up my story by adding many layers of texture and light in Photoshop. When I am finished, I go to work with the oil brushes. I overpaint every small detail to give the image that fine art feel. The last process I give it is in Lightroom where I adjust the colours, shadows and highlights.

 

“The Dreamers” Digital, Various Sizes

 

I know there is a lot of argument about whether digital art is art at all. My goal is to show people that it is. Like any traditional artist, it takes time and imagination to produce a piece. Instead of paint and canvas, I use digital brushes and computer software as my materials. I like to hint at a story when I am creating, just enough to let the viewer add to it or make up their own story. My story may not be the same as what someone else is seeing. And I love that.

 

Artist Samantha Wells invites you to follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

 

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