Yesenia De La Cruz - Painter and Illustrator
Yesenia De La Cruz is a custom artist and illustrator. She loves to create art regarding human expression because it is something that we all share, and she believes it is one of the many facets of humanity that makes us beautiful. She hopes to expand her art into animation someday.
Contact Info:
Instagram: @dlcdoodles
Facebook: @yeseniadlcfineart
When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
I have been creating art all my life. I loved to memorize things I saw in everyday life so I could draw them later. It was really my parent’s support that encouraged me to keep improving.
How does your personal story/background influence your work?
I am a Dominican-American, but I have lived in a variety of countries and states due to my mother’s service in the US Air Force. While growing up, I never saw myself as different because of the color of my skin. I was just a person. I love to draw portraits of people making over the top facial expressions because it helps people connect with one another, knowing they both have emotions and are just people.
To those who come from a minority group like me, I encourage you to look outside of your ethnicity when you think of yourself. You are human just like everyone else, however it is also great to celebrate your heritage through your art!
Which of your works are you most proud of?
I hate picking favorites from my children! (Yes, I call my art my children) But since you asked, I guess I’ll say “Kathrine”. Here’s an example of my over the top facial expressions. This is my first painting using Chuck Close’s graph style. I definitely plan on making more!
What is the hardest part of being a professional artist?
I think the hardest part of being an artist is putting myself out there, making myself known in the community. I am proud of most of my art, but I always worry if I really tried as hard as I could have on each piece before I show the world.
WHAT ARE THE NAMES/URLS OF 2-3 OTHER ARTISTS THAT INSPIRE YOU?
I love the work of hyperrealists like Chuck Close, but I also admire cartoonists like “Canary Prince”. Each portray human expression in beautiful ways.