Faisal Warsani: Painting Paradise
This interview is with Faisal Warsani, a painter living and working in Chicago. Faisal shares his passion for painting tropical paradises; oceans, waterfalls, and mountains that are seemingly untouched by humans. Painted in a photorealistic style, it's easy to mistake Faisal's paintings for actual photographs. Faisal also discusses his detail-oriented technique, the role of architecture in his work, and what compels him to paint the natural world.
Hi Faisal! Tell me about your background and how you initially became involved in the arts.
I have been drawing and painting since childhood. I took private art lessons throughout my teen years and that really built a strong foundation for my skill set. When I went to university for architecture, my passion for painting was sacrificed temporarily because my priorities were different. Art has always been in my life, the amount of art just varied throughout the years.
Many of your paintings depict tropical paradises, seemingly untouched by humans. What led you to paint these tranquil landscapes?
I'm glad that concept is apparent, because I've consciously chosen to do landscapes devoid of humans or human activity. I love painting this seemingly untouched paradise because that's where I'd rather be, I think. Where no one knows me, or my name. But somewhere so beautiful.
In addition to being a painter, you studied architecture in school. How does your background in architecture influence your work?
The architectural elements and design principles such as balance, rhythm, composition, and many other things, are all concepts I hope appear in my work because I'm very careful about how I present my work. So, my paintings have a level of construction to them. It's really just a process now in ways similar to architecture & design.
One thing that stands out to me about your work is the level of detail you are able to achieve. Tell me a bit about your process and technique.
My architectural background should indicate that I'm very attentive to detail, almost too attentive really, and I want to make sure everything is as perfect as possible. I use an assortment of brushes, very thin brushes, and I also layer on paint and different tones throughout. So, it's a lengthy process requiring a lot of tools.
How have your paintings shifted and evolved over the years?
I used to paint with pastels and watercolors, and finally settled on acrylics as being my chosen medium. But I feel like that'll change soon as well, to oils. I think my content has become more cohesive, which has made my work more unified.
When did you join Instagram, and how has it impacted you as an artist?
I joined Instagram back in high school just for fun but started posting art later on, in 2015. A few big Instagram pages found it via hashtags and reposted my work, I gained a lot of followers and a lot of attention and became kind of addicted to that attention. So, the only way to get more of it was to post more, to paint more. Instagram has been very good for me - I have formed connections with galleries because of it, and I have made all of my sales through Instagram. And I've befriended so many talented artists worldwide. It's a powerful tool.
Where do you hope to see yourself in 10 years?
I hope I'm able to do everything I want to do. I hope it's balanced between my love for painting, for architecture, and for the sea. And that I'll have time for my family and friends in addition to that. I think I won't be sleeping very much but I'm excited.
Follow Faisal on Instagram at: faisalwarsani
Website: www.faisalwarsani.com