Realistic Cat Drawings and Paintings: An Interview with Ivan Hoo

Ivan Hoo is a Singapore based artist who specialized in realistic drawings and paintings.  A reader introduced me to his work, by sharing this video on Facebook with me:

You can see more of Ivan Hoo’s Art on his Instagram and Facebook pages and also in this interview =).  Thank you to Ivan for doing this interview with me and allowing me to share his stunning work with our Floppycats community.

When did you start painting?

I was always interested in drawing even as a kid ..but i only saw it as a hobby then. It was about 10 years ago, i quit my outside job to pursue my interest in art and started as freelance artist until now, i’m a full time artist.

Please describe your creative process.

i work from reference photos ( if commission works , reference photos have to be provide from my client ) or photos that i took myself. I sketch precise lines using pencils or pastel pencils depending on the surface choice.For drawing tools , i use PanPastel Colors, soft Knives with sponge covers , Pastel pencils for details like the fur and hair ,also sometimes i do mix with acrylic paints as well .

I found you through a reader who saw your painting  – do you always record your painting process?

Yes i always try to film not long but short videos because i’m using my iPhone to film it so file space is limited for me. But i always try to make videos of my drawing process so my viewers can see the drawing tools and the process.

How did you get into painting cats?

I was ask to commission cats a few years back , and the response is really good so i got ask a lot to draw pets or animals.

Where do you sell your work and why?

Currently , i sell my works only on my social media platform.And besides i don’t own a space or gallery so using social media platform is the most convenient way for me to showcase my works . If people wants me to do request or commission works , they can email me for inquiries.

Do you sell your products in a local store in your area?

No, I’m home based. All my artwork is either at my home or sold to respective art collectors or owners.

Have you been successful at selling your paintings online?

i would say its not easy although a lot of my works sold are based on commission works.But if i want to create my own ideas or imagination in the artwork , its hard to sell .

Do your customers ever give you new ideas for paintings?

Usually they let me explore my own ideas in it. But some of course would want me to add some ideas according to what they want n the artwork.

Do you have a favorite commissioned piece that you would like to share with us as well as the story behind it?

oh its hard to choose because most of the cat drawings are my favourite.

Do you have a blog?

No, I only have Instagram and Facebook,

You do commission pieces – if I want a commission painting for my cat, etc. how do I start the process?

For commission works , you can email me at hooivan83@gmail.com . The things i need is preferably high resolution photos of your pets. Because only clear photos i can work on the details better. And i will provide you the price list and the sizes.