Every great artist has to start somewhere. Regardless of natural ability, regardless of training, a true artist needs to put in the time to improve their craft. Sometimes you can see how an artist progresses — and it’s absolutely fascinating.
This is Dušan Krtolica.
Dušan, who lives with his family in Belgrade, Serbia, says he’s always wanted to be an artist. His parents recognized a natural gift and encouraged him. Dušan wrote an incredible piece for Bored Panda detailing his artistic progression. His has come a long way.
Four years old.
Even at four, his work stands out. “After a while, my work became better and better and [my parents] agreed when I was four to enroll in an art school, that I’m still attending,” he says.
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Eight years old.
There’s a clear theme beginning to emerge in Dušan’s work: one of intricate designs, rooted in nature. By age eight, he’d started creating big, detailed pieces that have become his trademark.
Nine years old.
“With [my parents], I started to love the books, especially those about animals and nature,” he said. “Through the time, I have collected a lot of books and quite often I find inspiration for my work there.”
Ten years old.
Not all of his work is rooted in nature, but even pieces like this showcase his unique style: stark black and white, with a depth of detail not often seen in visual art.
Twelve years old.
Dušan says he learned to sketch scenes from the natural world so realistically from studying the images in books, again and again and again. Now, things have come full circle: he’s illustrated a Serbian encyclopedia on prehistoric creatures.
Thirteen years old.
He calls this piece “The Labors of Hercules”. It’s one of those pieces that seems to reveal more and more new details the longer you study it.
Sixteen years old.
Coming from someone who can barely draw a stick figure, Dušan’s art was impressive even when he was four years old. But when you study his early work, you can see how he’s progressed.
Each work is clearly a labor of love.
This is the kind of visual art that just can’t be done quickly. Every line seems like it’s been thoroughly thought through — and there are more than a few lines in each piece.
He mixes genres.
Nearly all of his work is rooted in nature, but subjects range from current day creatures to animals from prehistory, and even into the realm of fantasy. This one has a real GoT vibe.
Practice makes perfect.
What’s truly mind-boggling when you peruse Dušan’s art is just how much of it there is. Considering how long these pieces must take, it shows an incredible commitment to his craft.
Shading is on point.
When you’re drawing something, having a good idea of where the light source is coming from goes a long way toward creating something believable. Dušan clearly has this down — just look at the bird’s eye.
There’s just so much detail.
I know I’ve said it before, but just…wow. In a piece like this, it’s hard to know just how many creatures and how many types of plant he’s snuck onto the canvas.
Others have taken note.
Not only has he illustrated an encyclopedia (not bad for a teenager!), he’s also been featured in a few art exhibitions. Given his obvious talent, it’s not a big surprise.
It’s calming.
There are no straight lines, no right angles and no flat surfaces in his work. Everything is immaculately detailed and textured, and carries a natural, organic kind of feel.
I think Dušan’s going to go places.
What do you think of this young artist’s progression? What’s your favorite piece? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to check out Dušan’s Facebook page (in English) and blog (in Serbian).
h/t: BoredPanda