Artist Marco Mazzoni is based in Milan, Italy where he works from his studio creating amazingly detailed color pencil drawings that have captured the attention of collectors from all over the world. I asked Mazzoni to let us peek inside his sketchbook for Hi-Fructose’s ongoing series Inside the Sketchbook. He sent over a beautiful drawings from his Moleskine sketchbooks and speaks generously about his drawing techniques in the following interview. It is astounding what Mazzoni can achieve with a simple colored pencil or a ball point pen. His work has also been featured on the cover of Hi-Fructose Volume 20.
Have you always kept a sketchbook?
Only in recent years I have used some real albums. Before I went to the art academy, drew on sheets scattered everywhere. I have always used the back of the photocopy, is a practice that I took when I was a kid and was all day in the office of my father.
Why is it important for you to keep a sketchbook?
Because for my work, the ideas come from mistakes, and the only place where I’m comfortable to make mistakes is the sketchbook.
Do you often sketch out ideas before working them into finished pieces?
Often. Before setting up a new work, try to find shapes from sketches. Try to have many references to the art of the past, and I spend a long time to redraw some of the works of artists like Rembrandt or Goya or Ribera…so I can absorb some passage of color and chiaroscuro then I try to bring in my work.
What brand of sketchbook do you use?
In this moment I use a Moleskine. Is really perfect because I can crush pen or pencil on paper but I haven’t signs on the opposite page.
What are some good sketchbook tips and habits that you can share with
our readers?
It is important to draw on a sketchbook at least one hour per day… and enjoy errors because they allow you to improve ideas and techniques.
FORESTTA 