i-m-a-g-i-n-efx-august

Traditional Artist Interview
First Impressions
The Australian movie
matte and concept
artist was inspired by
traditional greats…
Wayne Haag
Where did you grow
up and how has this
influenced your art?
Melbourne, Australia,
which in itself had no
influence on my art that I’m aware
of. That my school had a collection
of awesome sci-fi art books, did.
You’re a child, you see a painting
that changes everything. Where are
you and what are you looking at?
Secondary school library reading
the sci-fi art books. Guys like John
Harris, Chris Foss and Peter Elson.
The seminal moment was looking at
Jim Burns’ Sol Transit Complex 7
(JANUS), and understanding that
composition existed and that it was
important. Star Wars appearing in
1977 was pretty important, too!
What was your next step in art? Did
other interests vie for attention?
From the age of 10 to 14, I knew
I was going to be an artist. No
other option existed for me. I was
‘encouraged’ to get a real job and
completed an apprenticeship as
an electronic technician. I did
eventually get to my art career
via a photography degree.
Does one person stand out as being
helpful during your early years?
My secondary school media studies
sky BuRial #3
This is the third in my Sky Burial
series, which takes place on a
ship-breaking planet.
teacher, Peter Duffy, organised an
interview with Anthony Daniels,
who was doing a tour for Return Of
The Jedi at the time. Peter knew how
much I loved Star Wars and asked
me to help with the interview.
I realised that a teacher can be more
than someone who talks at you.
Peter was very encouraging and
I’ll never forget that gesture.
What was your first paid
commission?
My first paid gig as an artist was
working on The Fifth Element as a
matte painter at Digital Domain!
Don’t worry about the tool,
concentrate on composing
something authentic to you
Rendezvous
My homage to both Chris Foss
and Ralph McQuarrie in the
same painting!
What’s the last piece you finished,
and how do the two differ?
Concept art for Alien: Covenant
is my latest work. Fifth was post
production. Pre-production is a
lot more fun! You get to play with
composition, lighting, mood, etc.
You’re also responsible, in part, for
how the film will eventually look.
Is your art evolving? What’s the
most recent experiment you made?
The closest thing to experimenting
for me is sketching.
What is the most important thing
that you’ve taught someone?
Apart from concept art and oil
painting, I also teach colour and
light at a small illustration school, so
I’m sure all my students would have
a different answer to that question!
I’d say to not worry about the tool,
concentrate on composing
something authentic to you and
keep honing that vision. The
technique and skill will catch up
and enable you to communicate that
vision. The vision will then become
more sophisticated as you improve.
What advice would you give to your
younger self to aid you on the way?
Stick with the drawing while
pursuing photography. I should have
kept up with drawing, but I let it
drop. I still feel like I’m catching up.
Can you describe the place where
you usually create your art?
Wherever I happen to be at the
moment.
What are your painting rituals?
Cleaning the gummed-up paint off
the paint tubes and caps and
procrastinating about painting.
How has the art industry improved
since you’ve been working in it?
The internet has changed everything
– there are so many more ways to
learn art now, and art begets art!
I’m blown away by the art created
by young artists today!
Wayne has created matte paintings in The
Fifth Element, Farscape and The Lord Of
The Rings, and concept art for Wolverine
and more. See more at www.ankaris.com.
114 August 2017