Paola CaStro
Paola is a Mexican artist who blew us away with her hyper realistic portraits, her eye for intricate details and her ability to translate these onto paper. She began drawing at a very young age and in her own words, “never really stopped”. Her fascination with anatomical realism has grown and grown ever since.
Paola grew up in Mexico City before moving to New Zealand to study 3D animation. She currently lives in Vancouver and works in an animation studio whilst working on her own pieces. We couldn’t be more excited to work with her and discover who else she’ll bring to life through graphite on paper.
Hands (2022) Ink on wood, 76.2 x 45.7 cm (30 x 18 in)
Face I (2022) Ink on wood, 30.5 x 30.5 cm (12 x 12 in)
Face III (2022) Ink on wood, 30.5 x 30.5 cm (12 x 12 in)
Face II (2022) Ink on wood, 30.5 x 30.5 cm (12 x 12 in)
Untamed (2020)
Graphite on paper, 64 x 51 cm (25 x 20 in)
Untamed Print (2020), Limited Edition of 25
Detail
3 Minutes with Paola…
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I draw my inspiration from faces. I love examining every small detail that makes a person who they are. Not only physical characteristics but expressions as well. The way a person portrays emotion is unique to them and therefore incredibly captivating.
Favourite artist of all time?
I’d have to say Leonardo Da’Vinci. His paintings are amazing, but more than that, his ability to combine everything he saw and analysed in regards to science, perspective, mathematics and architecture into art is genius.
What keeps you going through the day?
Coffee in the morning. Music and wine in the afternoon.