This weeks Pure Nintendo Featured Artist is the very talented Renée Macleod. She is an amazing pixel artist who takes scenes from some our favorite video games and makes them her own. Renée also takes commissions and does custom pixel art for anyone who is interested. So if you need something awesome to put in your game room or you just love good art, Ive put all of her contact information at the bottom of the interview. Enjoy!

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KD: How long have you been creating pixel art? 

RM: I have been artistic my whole life and got into painting about 5 years ago but it was only within the past year that I started doing pixel paintings. The first one I painted was a gift for my sister and it was much harder then I had expected but turned out so good and got such a great response that I just wanted to paint more.

"Earthworm Jim"

“Earthworm Jim”

KD: What inspires you the most when creating art?

RM: I’m inspired by many things but for the most part bright colours, gem stones, space and of course Nintendo and video games. 

"The Nursery"

“The Nursery”

KD: What’s your favorite Nintendo game or series, why?

RM: Hmmm… this is a hard one. I would have to say that my all time favorite is Super Mario World for Super Nintendo. I got the game when I was 4 years old and played it constantly up until Ninitendo 64 came out 6 years later so it was a huge part of my childhood. 

"Rollin' In The Deep"

“Rollin’ In The Deep”

KD: Take us through your process when creating pixel art? How long does an average piece take you to complete?

RM: First I draw a rough sketch of whichever character I’m painting and create a grid over it. I then turn that into something very similar to a paint-by-numbers. Then I take a very fine paint brush and colour in each pixel or section of pixels at a time with paint. The process is very tedious, an average sized piece usually takes anywhere from 40 to 70 hours to complete depending on the level of detail. 

"Jolteon Chibi"

“Jolteon Chibi”

KD: I was looking at some of your awesome palette knife paintings on your website, can you tell us a bit about those? I really like how colorful and vibrant they are.

RM: I love colour and texture and you can definately tell that when you look at my palette knife paintings. I have alot of fun doing these pieces as I will usually just put some music on and go with the flow. My palette knife work is often inspired by gem stones or space but sometimes I just choose a couple colours and be free with it. I find it exciting not knowing how it’s going to turn out in the end. If you like colour and vibrancy then you will like the new techniques I’ve been working on which will be added to my website in the next few weeks. 

"Shy Guy Fawkes"

“Shy Guy Fawkes”

KD: Have you been involved in any art shows or conventions recently?

RM: I have actually… I had a booth in Artist Alley at Fan Expo 2014 this past August in Toronto which was so much fun! I can’t wait until next year! I also took part in the Pancakes and Booze Art Show at Adelaide Hall on Oct. 3rd here in downtown Toronto and will be taking part in the next one in April. It was a great night filled with funky art, DJ’s, booze and unlimited pancakes.

"Illuminati Peach"

“Illuminati Peach”

KD: Thanks for the interview Renee, I really enjoy this style of artwork and its a nice change from the usual digital art I receive. Where can our readers checkout more of your artwork or contact you if they’re interested in purchasing something?

RM: Thanks so much for the kind words and the interest in my art! You can check out more of my art work on my website and if you would like to get sneak peeks and be part of mini-competitions follow me on facebook and instagram. I also do commissions and custom pixel paintings.

www.renee-macleod.myshopify.com

www.facebook.com/renee.artistry

Instagram: @shutter_bugg_

renee.artist@yahoo.ca

 

"Goomba's View"

“Goomba’s View”

"Mario Bro's 2 series"

“Mario Bro’s 2 series”

 

Any artist interested in having their artwork on PureNintendo.com or in PNM can contact me at Kaelyn@purenintendo.com. Submit fan art, sculptures, baked goods, comics, etc. If the theme is ‘Nintendo’ we want to see it! You could be the next Pure Nintendo featured artist! Also to see artwork from artists featured in our magazine, PNM, please head to PureNintendo.com/magazine to subscribe! Thanks for reading.