Mister AF, an artist and climbing enthusiast, combines his graphic sensitivity with his love for nature. Inspired by the landscapes of Gard and Hérault, he creates illustrations with rich details and evocative colors. Between cliffs and graphic tablets, his artistic universe reflects reinvented places, on the border of reality and imagination.
Can you tell us about your journey and how you came to create illustrations?
At the age of 8, I started taking watercolor painting classes. As I grew up, I experimented out of passion with other techniques such as pointillism, black and white drawing, stenciling, and acrylic. This led me to a Bachelor's in Arts where I discovered digital drawing on a graphics tablet. This new way of creating captivated me as it allows me to play with colors, textures, and light.
Very inspired by old Air France posters, I then began illustrating places and destinations that I cherish.
How do you choose the places you illustrate? Do you have a favorite spot in the area?
I started illustrating places I like that are located close to my home in Gard and Hérault. In my mind, these places I knew well were associated with a color palette and representative details. I enjoyed assembling all these mental images, bringing them to life on the “canvas” to create a unique, aesthetic, and memorable view. I continue this approach throughout my travels and love to draw all the places that inspire me.
In the area, my favorite spot is undoubtedly the view from Saint-Mathieu-de-Tréviers: a confrontation between Pic Saint Loup and Hortus, both dominating the vineyards illuminated by sunlight.
You are also passionate about climbing. How does this practice influence your artistic perspective and your creations?
I have indeed been passionate about climbing for about ten years. I love this sport for two reasons: self-surpassing and contact with nature. When I climb a cliff, I contemplate everything that surrounds me: from fauna to flora, from the foreground to the horizon. My mind then begins to memorize what I observe and create iconic mental images. Through this passion for climbing, I discover rock textures, varieties of plants, animals, and beautiful and different skies. All these elements enrich my artistic style and contribute to my creations.
