English-born artist Sofia Bonati was born to create, and while she's been drawing and painting her whole life, she never thought it would end up being her career.
English-born artist Sofia Bonati was born to create, and while she’s been drawing and painting her whole life, she never thought it would end up being her career. With her alluring illustrated portraits and unmatched aesthetic style, we think she’s right where she belongs in the art world. We chatted with our latest cover artist about what she’s inspired by, her artistic approach and what she can’t live without.
Tell us more about you and what you do…
I’m an artist and illustrator. I spend my day drawing, painting, creating. I either work on commissions or on personal projects. I’m lucky to do what I love everyday. I’m a mom of two, and I just moved back to Argentina after living in the UK for five years. I’ve been drawing and painting my whole life, although I never thought of it as a career. While taking care of my first newborn, I decided to start sharing my work on social networks and put it on sale, and that’s how it all started.
What is your most important tool? Is there something in your studio you can’t live without?
Right now, since I’ve been having a lot of commissioned work, I would say my iPad and apple pencil, which allows me to work on digital pieces. When I work for my personal pieces, watercolours. Not necessarily a tool, but I need some good light from a window and music!
What inspires you?
Nature, colours, seasons, fashion, other artists. I’m missing a lot the parks
and wooded areas near my former home in England. Buenos Aires is so different, I’m still getting used to it. I’ll have to see if it ends up showing in my pieces…
Is there an artwork you are most proud of? Why?
Right now my favourite piece is Poppy. I think the colors, the contrasts and the the woman look make it a striking piece.
How do you know when a work of art if finished?
I generally work in stages, I sketch a first version and then I begin the proper piece. sometimes I stop and pick up the sketch again, try new things, and so on. Eventually, when the things I try do not satisfy me I stop working on that piece. Sometimes it’s on an early stage and it’s never going to be finished.
What themes do you pursue?
Last year I’ve done lots of drawings with mazes and I’d like to continue exploring that topic, but right now I feel the need to do something more colourful, like floral or fruity patterns.
See more of Sofia’s artwork on her Instagram page @soffronia and purchase Issue 5 – Moments of Peace and Issue 6 – The Art of Kindness and other previous issues to enjoy more enchanting content here.
