Artist on photographer: Marc Brechwald
When the world went in to a global pandemic, Marc Brechwald AKA Brad Welch, 54 responded by taking the leap and heading for a career change. The result is his painstakingly beautiful and wildly intricate pencil drawings, focusing for the time being on ‘the beauty of man’ says the artist. Following a back and forth between himself and photographer Walter Zak, who Brad worked with to recreate some of his NSFW series in pencil, seen below, we sat down with the man himself to talk about his work, his inspirations and what’s next…
Why did you begin creating work?
I’ve always drawn, throughout my childhood and continuing into my adult life. It really started to pick up, however, in the past year as a result of the pandemic shutdowns. I found drawing to be a great outlet to not only relieve my stress and anxiety but also to stimulate the creative side of my brain. Once I downloaded Instagram last July, I finally started sharing my artwork with the online public.
I think the pandemic has had a profound effect on all of us, exacerbating both of the highs and lows in our lives, and causing us to reevaluate many of our life choices. For me, it was the deciding factor to me making a career change and finally focusing 100% on my art.
Can you tell us the process of making your work?
It starts out by searching for images or photographs that inspire me. Once I have a concept or an idea for a drawing, I think about components that would go into making up that piece, such as composition, colour, etc. Here’s a concrete example: I recently drew an erotic image of a partially-dressed matador. Sexy, right? I always knew that I wanted to draw a bullfighter, especially after visiting Andalusia a few years ago. So I found multiple images of real-life matadors as well as fitness models on the Internet and cobbled together elements from each to bring my concept to life. The final piece, “En Fuego,” was made up of at least four different images.
What are you inspired by?
Art, of course, both visual and performing. Interesting architecture. Athletic competitions. The beauty of nature. The beauty of man. People overcoming obstacles. Facing one’s fears. Helping others. Following your dreams. I could go on and on, but these are just a few of the things that give me inspiration every day.
What visual references do you draw upon in your work?
I follow many artists online – photographers, designers, illustrators, fashionistas – as well as a handful of models and Instastuds. Most of my visual references are currently found on the Internet, of course, but I hope to start creating more of my own image content in the near future by expanding my photographic skills and working with live models. The inspiration for the NSFW pieces came directly from the a conversation with Walter Zak and exploring his archives. Once I saw these photographs with their raw and unapologetic sexuality, I knew I had to draw them.
What’s your daily routine when working?
I try to treat it like a regular workday: start drawing around 8 am, break for lunch, then continue throughout the afternoon. However, I do allow myself some flexibility, as you never know when your creative juices are going to start flowing!
Currently, I’m pursuing my passion for drawing in two different markets: portraits and figurative art. My portraits tend to be very diverse, representing people from various ages, races, ethnicities, and religions. On the the figurative side, I focus on the beauty of the athletic male body, oftentimes in suggestive or provocative poses. I like to say I draw “homoerotic fantasies”, which can mean different things to different people, of course. So if you haven’t seen your fantasy represented yet, check back frequently, I’ll probably get to it at some point!
How have things developed for you?
Considering I’ve only been at this for less than a year, I’ve been pleasantly surprised with the way things are progressing. As we all know, art is subjective, and one can never predict what people will or will not connect with. One man’s trash is another’s treasure, and vice versa. So the response that I’ve received thus far from friends, family, colleagues, and the online community has been very gratifying and at times overwhelming, in the best way.
What’s next?
I will be exhibiting in several upcoming art shows, festivals and galleries this spring, so that’s exciting. I’ve also received interest and commitments from a couple publications to highlight my art. And of course I’m honoured to have been selected for this profile in WALTERBOY.
What piece of your artwork would you like to be remembered for? and why?
Great question. To be honest, I don’t think I’ve drawn it yet. I’m always trying to improve my craft and create more interesting and provocative pieces. As I see it, art is a journey, not a destination.
What is your greatest indulgence in life?
My favourite indulgence is lounging in our back yard pool. Florida is hot and humid for much of the year, so basking in the sun with a cocktail in hand is the perfect way to unwind.
Which artist past or present would you most like to meet?
For the sheer entertainment factor, I’d have to go with Salvador Dalí. To say that this man was “out there” would be the understatement of the century!
Do you have a favourite piece of work?
I’m not sure I could pick one favourite, to be honest. However, I have owned a large but inexpensive print of Picasso’s “Guernica” for about 25 years, and it will always be on my wall. To me, it shows the power of art as commentary or protest against the atrocities that man commits, while still being aesthetically pleasing. Quite the paradox. Quite the genius.
Who should we follow on instagram?
I would encourage everyone to support your favourite artists, whether that’s by purchasing some of their prints, which are often very affordable, sharing their Instagram with other art lovers, or just words of encouragement. It’s an inherent risk for artists to share what we have created with the world and subject ourselves to their judgment. So let them know you appreciate them in whatever manner works best for you!
Where can we buy your work? Do you accept commissions?
All of my original pieces are for sale; you can DM me on Instagram or email for pricing and availability. I’m also offering prints of select drawings at Fine Art America with new pieces coming up all the time.
As for commissions, I love drawing unique custom pieces for clients and will start accepting commissions again in April. I’m currently backed up through the end of March, which I realise is a great problem to have!
And if you’re curious about my portraits, check out my other Instagram or my recently launched website - www.brechwald.art.