Doug B. Horak
When asked when he first discovered an interest in creating art, Doug B. Horak’s first response is “As early as I can remember.”
He recalls that as a young boy he, like many elementary school students, spent much of his class time covering his school work with scribbles and cartoons. However, unlike most of his fellow classmates, his doodling was a hobby, that later became a passion.
In May 2009, Horak graduated from the University of Hartford’s Hartford School of Art with a degree in Illustration. Prior to attending the Hartford School of Art, Doug had very little formal training. Entering Art School was a difficult period of adjustment for the artist, but it wasn’t long before he found his stride.
During college, Horak was able to gain experience with unfamiliar mediums such as watercolor, and styles including portraiture and still life. During this time which Horak refers to as the “academic” period of his life, he gained an education in, and appreciation for traditional techniques and it’s founding masters.
Horak now works primarily with oil paint and digital photography and employs a wide range of subjects and styles in his art. “It’s nice to enjoy a large scope of subject matter and styles,” however, he admits there are possible drawbacks to the range of approaches he uses, “but it can also be a challenge marketing yourself to a specific field with a portfolio that’s so eclectic.” The styles he uses range from photorealism to gestural abstract shapes, while subjects range from traditional portraiture to Science Fiction and Fantasy.
It is the latter subject that seems to provide Horak with the most inspiration, and comes from a life long love of the fantastical and extraordinary, “As a child I had a wild imagination and grew up watching Star Wars and playing video games…” he explains, “I think the love of fantasy art stems directly from my childhood.” From hazy otherworldly environments, to machine based creatures, Horak has applied these ideas to some of his favorite and most treasured works.
For most recent art school grads, the process of breaking into the art world is a intimidating and perhaps even frightening experience. It is a challenge that Horak fully acknowledges, and has committed to making a career out of his passion “wherever and however possible.”
Although there are challenges to be faced, Doug B. Horak sees a future for himself in art. Even though the “academic” period of his life may be over, his art education continues . “…no matter how many hours you spend studying it and drawing it over and over, there’s always more to learn and room to improve.”
Website: www.dbhorak.com
One Response to “Doug B. Horak”
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Fantastic! Love the combination of man and machine…. The asthetic is dripping with lovely tones of dark dreams.