We’re delighted to shine the spotlight on @lorkelle, an artist known for her bold, expressive animal portraits and wonderfully unexpected use of color.
Blending close observation with imagination, she transforms familiar animals into vibrant characters full of personality, movement, and charm. Through playful palettes, expressive mark-making, and a distinctive visual style, her work invites viewers to see the animal world in a more colorful, curious, and personal way.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself and your artistic journey. And when did you start focusing on your signature illustration style?
It’s definitely something that I’d call a rollercoaster of a journey! I wasn’t one of those kids that picked up a crayon and never stopped drawing. My interest in art only happened when I started secondary school (high school), and my art teacher was SO passionate about every aspect of art that I couldn’t help but be intrigued by how it made her feel. So, in my teen years I would draw a lot of fan art (especially from video games), but once I went to university, I just…stopped. 10 years later, I somehow found myself browsing this website that I’d never heard of before: Deviantart, and I was inspired to start again (thank you to Loish, Artgerm and Sakimichan). Another 10 years later, and I ended up quitting my job to become a full-time artist, and here we are!
I have gone through MANY styles during that time, but I feel like it’s only in the past 3 years that I’ve settled into (what I hope!) is my recognisable style. Honestly, I think that moving from primarily digital to traditional art just unlocked something in me a bit more creatively, and I’m creating in a way that feels more naturally “me”.
2. Your use of color is often bold and unexpected. How do you choose colors that move beyond realistic representation while still feeling true to the subject?
This is something that I feel has only happened in the past year or so; before that, I really struggled with colour choices and would only stick to colours that I could actually see in reality. The turning point for me was taking part in the art challenge Doggust, combined with the use of acrylic markers. Since I only had a limited choice of colours to use, I had to try and be creative. The easiest way to describe it is that I consider the value, and assign a different colour to it. For example: during Doggust, I would colour black dogs as either dark blue or purple (as they were the darkest markers in the set), and then use a bit of colour theory magic (complementary colours). Same with when I’m drawing something that needs to represent white: I might use a pastel blue, or pink, because it best represents the value in colour form. I think the human eye is more attuned to understanding value, and if you can get that right, then the possibilities are endless with colour. It just needs a bit of bravery and practice!
3. When you’re not making art, what are you into—and does any of that show up in your work?
Yes, but my life is very routine and boring! My other true love outside of art (aside from my family, of course) is the gym. I took a break away from it for a year, and I truly underestimated how much it would impact my physical and mental health. It’s one of those non-negotiables that makes sure I’m functioning well enough that I CAN make art.
We moved out to the countryside a few years ago, so gardening has become a regular task that’s grown on me. Up to that point, I wasn’t as exposed to nature, so I don’t think it’s a coincidence that most of the art I create now is centred on animals! This year we had a regular visitor to our garden: a pheasant (we named him Phil), and I dedicated a sketch page to him. I’m also documenting all the different kinds of birds that I see in our garden, because I plan to draw them all (about 20 different species so far and counting!)
4. What's one work that you're particularly proud of? Did the process of creating it teach you anything noteworthy?
Oh wow, ok, so I have two joint favourites, and it’s also going to expose my obsession. These are both from 2014, and that was the year when I started learning how to create art digitally. This was back when I returned to art from the 10 year break, so I had no real “style”, but my passion for creating and learning was at an all-time high. Both of these are fan art from Final Fantasy VIII (one of my favourite games of all time), and if there’s anything that’s ever taught me about perseverance with a new art medium: these are the pieces that encompass all of that learning. Squall getting ready to fight the Malboro earned me a Daily Deviation on Deviantart, which was a HUGE thing for me back then! I felt like a celebrity! Haha. Also, the GFs piece is just…insane. I can’t believe I had the tenacity to make that. They’re both old now, they have a million mistakes, but I love them both dearly.
5. When did you first start using Ohuhu products? What do you love about them?
I believe it was over 3 years ago! I got the 320 Honolulu set, and thus began my wonderful journey with Ohuhu. I remember being so excited about how easy they were to blend, and it pretty much kickstarted my love for traditional art again. I’ve tried most of the Ohuhu products over the past 3 years, and they’re always the ones that I reach for the most: I can see the care and attention to detail that’s been taken with each new release, and upgrades that make an artist’s life so much easier (specifically the soft chisel nib: my absolute favourite upgrade so far!)
6. What tips or advice would you share with others who are trying to develop their own artistic style?
It’s easier said than done, but please don’t try and compare yourself to other artists (especially those who are very experienced!) I don’t think there’s anything worse for hindering creativity than thinking you’re not good enough, even more so when trying something new. A style can take many years to develop, and allowing that progression to happen is so important. There’s so many things that can influence a style, and I really think it’s useful to explore as many of those influences to see which ones bring you the most happiness in your art: eventually, over time, it’ll shape into your own distinct style.
