INTERVIEW WITH PHIL MALTZ
Worthing Tab by Phil Maltz
Phil Maltz, AKA Maltz Creative, is a London based self-taught artist. Working in mainly pens, pencils and watercolours, Phil makes precisely detailed sketches of urban architecture of which we’re very impressed by his capture of texture. Read what he has to say below..
Beigel Bake Brick Lane by Phil Maltz
Point101: What drew you to illustration?
Phil M: I've always liked sketching since a child, and growing up I had a grandmother who has painted her whole life, so I've been exposed to a lot of paint fumes. But it wasn't until last summer that I really started exploring my artistic abilities, fuelled by starting an artist account on Instagram.
P101: How has social media impacted your creative workflow?
PM: Creating content which predominantly is aimed at an online audience means it forces me to keep the creative flow going. Social media followers are hungry for fresh content, so I use this to push myself to explore and create things that I think my audience will like. It gives me a real motivation to put Netlix on pause and pick up a pen or paint brush.
P101: Your focus is mainly on homes/buildings, why is that so?
PM: I've always been interested in architecture and how many parts work together to create a unified form. Also, buildings are much easier to draw than people! I enjoy recreating textures, both organic and man made, and working on small detail.
P101: What is your working technique?
PM: I try and keep my process as traditional as possible. I stare at screens all day in my job, so I'm keen to escape from the digital world. In terms of my process, I usually spot a building, take a photo for reference, and create a pen sketch followed by watercolour paint.
P101: How have you developed and perfected your very meticulous technique?
PM: Well, I think it's through sheer determination to create work that stands out, which means going the extra mile with the detail, like in my Bow Road sketch. However I do still value artwork created in a looser, simplistic style. But it always very satisfying when I work on some tiny detail for a long period and then step back and see that it was worth the hand spasms!
P101: Where do you see your work belonging?
PM: Apart from posting work online, and in my parent's house, I don't really spend much time thinking about the wider appeal of my work beyond the Instagram 'likes'. It always blows my mind when someone actually purchases one of my sketches.
Bow Road House by Phil Maltz
P101: How long does each drawing take?
PM: It ranges from a couple of hours to a few days. I don't usually work on something continuously, as I don't have time with family and worl life. So I make the most of my lunch breaks and weekends.
P101: What giclee paper do you think works best with your prints?
PM: I love the subtle texture and thickness of Hahnemuehle Photo Rag, it doesn't distract too much from the artwork and gives a physical feel of the original work.
P101: What do you do outside your illustrating?
PM: I'm currently working as a full time cameraman and video editor in London, as well as a father of two young boys. I also like growing vegetables.
P101: What interests and hobbies which influence or inspire you?
PM: I work quite close to the Tate Britain in London, which is a free-entry gallery showcasing the best of British art. It was trips her over the summer months that kickstarted my creative journey. In particular the many graphite, as well as watercolour, sketches produced by JWM Turner. More modern influences include the likes of Phil Dean (@shoreditchsketcher) and James Oses (@jamesoses).
See more of Phil’s work here.