Congratulations to Xiong Yanteng for earning his place as a Winner in the Boynes Monthly Art Award [March 2024 Edition]!

Who are you?

My name is Xiong Yanteng. I started learning painting when I was 5 years old. I graduated from the Oil Painting Department of the Academy of Fine Arts, Minzu University of China. In 2015, he went to the United States to continue his exploration of painting art.

What inspired you to utilize colored pencils as a medium?

Colored pencils have rich and delicate colors, which can make the work very realistic and delicate. You can stop and start drawing at any time without worrying about whether it will dry out or not.

How would you describe your ARTwork?

I am good at painting people of different ages and characteristics. Artfully bring out each person's best traits and character emotions. I am not just expressing the details of the picture, but pursuing a picture that is warm, rhythmic and has a sense of painting.

What do you hope to communicate to an audience with your work?

The picture I want people to see is not just the emotional characteristics of the characters, I want to convey the story behind the model. Let people think more about what the model does and what mood she was in at that time. The painter who painted the model, what kind of state he was in at the time, etc. I hope to make the pictures warm and convey warm emotions to everyone, rather than just staying at the technical level.

Can you discuss the inspiration and thought process behind your winning work?

I have many works that have won international awards and have won many first prizes. Before creating these works, I had more of an intuitive impulse. I was full of passion and challenge to paint these models, and I had a very strong passion and endurance for painting.

Can you walk us through the technical steps of creating your winning work?

I usually start with a pencil to draw the precise outline of the portrait and the required details. I usually start with the eyes, and work from the facial features to each part. I will often observe the overall situation to ensure that every part can be well integrated into the overall relationship, so that the picture has a sense of rhythm.

Can you talk about your biggest learning experience during the process of creating your work?

I have 30 years of painting experience and many years of painting professional study. I still watch some excellent video teaching and theoretical knowledge online. When I encounter bottlenecks and periods of fatigue, I will go to museums to see original works by masters, and I will also read some award-winning works and outstanding works online. I feel that I have gained a lot from copying the works of my favorite masters. Every painting I draw is a growth for me. I feel that I will always be on the road of learning and growing. I will remain a student throughout my life, be humble, pursue my hunger for the art of painting, and always maintain a passion for challenge and exploration.

Can you discuss your biggest success since starting your artistic journey?

8. I have a passion for painting, especially portrait painting. Most successfully in recent years, I have found the use of colored pencils to create my portrait drawings. These works have allowed me to win many international awards, most of them first prizes, publish many international artist magazines, be selected for several very difficult and influential international exhibitions, and win awards! And getting these honors comes from my persistence in studying and painting every day. Painting portraits is a big part of my life. I don't paint for fame, fortune or exhibitions, but just for the love of painting portraits. However, it is the sincerity and persistence in my heart that have allowed me to achieve many excellent results.

Can you give us the best piece of advice you have received on your art career?

When choosing an art career, you must be prepared to endure hardship. You must be full of love and desire for painting instead of thinking about fame, wealth and exhibitions. Find your own language, style, medium, etc. Be able to withstand loneliness and perseverance, and be passionate.

What projects are you working on currently?

I am still continuing to complete my colored pencil self-portrait, hoping to get this painting into the best possible condition.

What is your dream project or piece you hope to accomplish?

I hope to have an art studio in the future so that people who like painting can come to me to paint and explore the art of painting together. I have always been eager to create some works that I like and resonate with everyone, so that people can see these works and inspire people's love and imagination for painting.

As a winner, do you have any advice for artists who want to submit to awards, competitions, residencies, etc.?

Don’t treat the competition as a competition, use it as a platform to learn from each other. The end of art is not winning a competition, but your own exploration and pursuit of art. The road to art is full of hardships and challenges. Keep your original love and use the competition as a platform for self-improvement and learning. Don’t be proud if you win a prize, and don’t be discouraged if you don’t win. Paint for the sake of persisting in loving and learning the art of painting itself.

Lastly, I like to ask everyone what advice they would give to their fellow artists, what is your advice?

Artists should try their best to practice and create in a quiet and peaceful environment. Art is not for showing off and fame, but for your own love for art itself. An artist's life is full of hardships and challenges. He must be able to endure hardships while maintaining optimism and endurance. It is crucial to have a lifelong learning attitude.

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