Web:
http://www.art-scene-international.com/
Background info:
Olaf Robrecht joined the magazine's editorial team in 1994 just as the first issue was going into print. At that time he had his own illustration studio (http://www.robs-art.com) and were he worked as a part-time illustrator. Olaf still does freelance illustration jobs from time to time.
Tell us a little about the rich history of the magazine and the famous artists you have worked with
It all started a long time ago with the “Chrome&Flames” magazine, the most successful European magazine about American cars. Back in the mid and late 80s Airbrush was big in the world of Custom Cars, and so the publisher decided to start an Airbrush Award, the “Europe’s Masters of the Airbrush”. Suddenly Airbrush was “hip”, and so the time seemed right for a new magazine - “Airbrush,Art+Action” was born (in 1994). A small group of enthusiasts, nearly all of them artists themselves, formed the editorial team. The idea was to not only publish great artworks, but to show the readers how the big names actually work. So in each issue we have up to 4 step by step workshops.
I joined them in late 1994 as assistant editor for the second issue. I really liked to be part of this team – being an illustrator myself it was great to finally meet all the “big names” such as Sorayama, Boris Vallejo, Luis Royo, Chris Achilleos, Ciruelo, HR Giger, Renato Casaro or Dru Blair, to name but a few. In some cases it was even the start of a friendship . 2004 was our 10th anniversary, and as the content of the magazine had changed over the years – we were no longer focussed on only one technique, but more on great fantasy and science fiction art and illustration - we decided to change the title. "Airbrush, Art + Action" turned into "Art Scene International"! It is not the tools that make for a good work of art but the artist behind it. Art Scene International is now open for all fields of art and all techniques.
What are some of the more memorable incidents that have occured since the magazine launched over ten years ago?
To see all the originals and meet the artists behind them. Airbrush,Art+Action, together with the European Airbrush Association, organized the art gallery of the (yearly held) International Airbrush Forum. An exhibition of original works of art that had never been presented before in those large numbers and by these particular artists. Over the years we had originals on display from artists such as Hajime Sorayama, Dru Blair, Boris Vallejo, Julie Bell, Renato Casaro, Chris Achilleos, Luis Royo, Ciruelo, Sebastian Krueger, Hubert de Lartigue, Alberto Ponno or Paul Wright – again to mention but a few. And, best of all, all these artists were there in person, signed posters and prints.
Other artists you only talk to over the phone. Christian Riese Lassen, Jonathon Earl Bowser, Drew Struzan – it’s funny that now if you stroll through a shopping mall or a gallery and see prints or originals that you have this feeling of “sure, I know this guy..”
Tell a little about the change from Airbrush Art + Action to Art Scene International
With the new title we are now open for all art techniques – and so digital art found its way into the magazine. And this is an interesting issue: When we started with “Airbrush,Art+Action” the airbrush was still not accepted as an art tool. I hope we did our part to change this – the airbrush is now accepted and even the most popular artists will tell if they use it.
Today it is the digital art and illustration that faces the same problems. A lot of people think that you simple click twice with the mouse, use some filters – and end with a nice illustration. Well, in some cases this might be right, especially when talking about photo retouching. But look at all the great art that was actually painted on the computer. With the Wacom, Photoshop, Painter or whatever software. Again tools. And, as we all know, it is not the tool that make for a good work of art but the artist behind it. So it seems we are going through pretty much the same thing again… and again we will try to do our part to establish this art.
What is your vision for the future and what are some of main features of the magazine that Epilogue fans and artists will be interested in?
The future..I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. But I hope that we all see Art Scene International will celebrate its 20th anniversary , still publishing interesting examples for the international art and illustration scene, show easily understandable documentations and inform about new books and products. After all – life imitates art!
Epilogue fans who do not know our magazine yet will surely love all the exceptional art that we publish – samples of the best science fiction and fantasy art in the world, created by the most talented artists. And - to see how they do it. Peek over their shoulders. In each issue you'll find 3-4 detailed step-by-step workshops. We also introduce new illustration software such as Painter or Photoshop (plus we have digital workshops as well). So if someone is interested in great fantasy and science fiction art and illustration (and maybe even wants to learn how to improve his or her own skills) - Art Scene International is the right magazine.
Magazine Covers from the last 10 years
(Art Scene International is published 6 times a year and is available in both English and German)
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Kerstin Seifert/ Art Scene International, Luis Royo, Olaf Robrecht/ Art Scene International |
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Ciruelo Cabral signing prints at the International Airbrush Forum (the art gallery was organized by our editorial team) |
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Olaf Robrecht |
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