Inside the Studio
Marco Ortolan
Favorite material to work with?
For painting I prefer oils, and for drawing I prefer ballpoint pens. With oils, you can think of your next step while they dry. The ballpoint pen is an instrument in which I achieved dominance with practice. The effect that the ballpoint pen creates is very powerful because it can handle the pressure of the stroke, allowing you to manage the tones.
What themes do you pursue?
A painting must be universal, otherwise it would be very monotone. Venice and the female figure captivate me completely and, luckily, both have had a good reception with the public and collectors.
How many years as an artist?
ALL.
Where is your studio?
My studio is in my home. I took one bedroom and transformed it into a studio. It’s small, but big enough for my type of work.
What was the best advice given to you as an artist?
There are several, but the two I remember most are: “Look ten seconds and paint five,” and “Drawing is a painting’s base.”
Art school or self taught?
I studied drawing for seven years, so I came into the painting world without problems. I also improved through trial and error. Visiting fine art museums also gave me clues and lessons to improve my technique.
Prefer to work with music or in silence?
The radio and music are my colleagues, as well as social networks. However, when something goes wrong, I turn off everything and concentrate until I fix it.
Where can we find you outside the studio?
Walking around Buenos Aires, working in architecture, or at night in bars where rock and roll and beautiful women make a difference.
If you couldn’t be an artist, what would you do?
I would be fully working in architecture, which is another one of my activities. Or maybe politics would occupy part of my life. It’s difficult because it’s hard to make aliving and do what one really likes.
Favorite contemporary artist?
I like Karen Godnic and Roger Mantegani.
If you could only have one piece of art in your life, what would it be?
There are many, but due to its historic significance, The Virgin of the Rocks by Leonardo da Vinci. For me, this synthesized painting excellence.
Use anything other than paint?
Just oil at the moment.
Is painting dead?
No, not dead, just scarce.
