Recently Lenard Lai gave us a demo to share his favorite color palette and painting techniques.

Here’s a quick Q&A with Lenard:

Why do you make art?
The name Draw-ple-t is an abbreviation of “drawing-people-together.” Art has always been a part of me since I was young. It never left me although I was in a different industry previously. I think that painting helps me express my thoughts and personality, and helps people around me visualize what those things are.

How long have you been painting?
6-7 years.

Did you have formal art training?
No formal training – self taught.

Are you a working artist or a hobbyist?
Full-time artist.

What inspires you?
My inspiration sources are  Instagram, nature and life.

What kind of music do you listen to while painting?
Depending on my mood – Christian music, lo-fi, Celtic, pop and metal are my go-tos.

Have you had a mentor?
My mentors are fellow artists, including those who post regularly on social media.

Do you paint every day?
No, I paint twice to three times per week.

Do you paint one piece at a time or work on several at the same time?
One piece usually. But I occasionally do several sketches in advance.

Do you create a concept piece first?
No. It’s usually a one-take thing. I do still life, so it’s quite straightforward and not much imagination is involved.

Do you prefer painting in studio or plein air?
Studio.

How many core colors do you use?
7-10, including Quinacridone Red, Indigo, Sap Green, Hansa Yellow, Vermilion and Burnt Sienna.

Tubes, pans or sticks?
Tubes! I use pans occasionally though.

When do you know that your piece is finished?
When the light/mid/dark tones are in place and that there’s nothing more to add in terms of seeing it in a macro-view.