What sparked the idea for the Free Daily Drawings project?

It was just after New Year’s Day and a lot of the news was dominated by stories of the previous year, including the record art sales at major auction houses and conventions that had taken place. It made me start to really think about how original art has become exponentially out of reach for the general public. It’s being used more as a commodity rather than functioning as a personal connection between artist and collector. Further, I would come across art that I love and that has inspired me and my own art since I was young, but sadly, I could never afford to have the original hanging in my studio or home as inspiration while I work. With that in mind, I wanted to give anyone and everyone across the world who is interested, regardless of wealth, the opportunity to have a piece of original art that they connect with. There’s something special about having original art. The variations across the surface, the smell of the materials and the idea that the artist physically worked on this piece of paper all combines into an experience that not everyone gets to share, but should. If I can do that for at least 365 people, then I’m happy.

I wanted to give anyone and everyone across the world who is interested, regardless of wealth, the opportunity to have a piece of original art that they connect with.

How long do these drawings take you and how do you pick your imagery?

I try to keep the drawing time to approximately an hour. Sometimes they take longer, but it depends on the complexity and how I choose to represent the subject matter. Choosing subject matter has been really fascinating to me with this project. I truly have no idea what I’m going to do from one day to the next. That spontaneity has been refreshing for me as an artist. I see everything around me now as potential subject matter.

What feedback/response have you gotten because of the project?

I’ve received an overwhelming number of humbling comments and a lot of great feedback since I started this project. In the beginning, there was some hesitation and skepticism on the part of the viewers, unfortunately, because there are so many scams on the internet today and they couldn’t comprehend getting something truly for free. A few messages I’ve received have been about the imagery triggering memories and emotions, and people have been moved to tell me stories about their own lives. It has inspired some to return to their own art, which is of course rewarding for me to hear. Some have created Facebook accounts just to follow the project. I’ve been told that some parents are sitting with their kids and using the project as a picture book of sorts, viewing the images together. Others are paying it forward and gifting the drawings they’ve received. Some have sent back to me something that they also do for a living. I greatly appreciate all of this.

Free Drawing #093
6.5 x 5.75in
Pencil on Paper
2013

Where in the world have you sent these drawings, and how does it feel to know that your drawings are sprinkled all over the world?

So far, at this point in the project, I’ve sent work to Australia, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, England, France, Israel, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Scotland and the United States. It feels kind of surreal. It makes me grateful for the web and sites like Facebook for providing the platform and opportunity to connect with people all over the world. Going through traditional channels, I probably would have never crossed paths with most of those following this project in my lifetime. More importantly, it’s extremely gratifying to know I’m giving someone a piece of art that could potentially stay in his or her family for generations. That’s a great feeling.

It’s extremely gratifying to know I’m giving someone a piece of art that could potentially stay in his or her family for generations.

You are also a talented and established painter, and a visual effects/animation artist. How do you balance it all and make time for this project?

I’m still trying to figure that out, but I try to not look at the big picture. I try to think of it more like something I have to do everyday, both creatively and spiritually. If I thought about all 365 drawings at once it would be overwhelming, but when I think about it as one day or one drawing at a time I find it easier to fit in and make time for it. It’s more manageable that way. What will be exciting is to look back at the year’s worth of work and see what has been accomplished. As far as the fine art and the visual effects that I do, it’s definitely a balancing act between left and right brain. Each side feeds each other.

Future plans?

I try not to think too far in advance because plans and expectations always change and if I’m making choices based on the present day, then the results are always unexpected and exciting. I am working on publishing a book of all the drawings from this project when it’s complete. I think it would be great to have all the drawings in one place with the name of the collector, city and country where the pieces have gone. I am also currently developing a new body of work separate from this.

What advice do you have for young and emerging artists?

Commitment, discipline and passion have to be your primary motivations for being an artist. The financial and public success, if that’s what you wish to achieve, will be a byproduct of your efforts. Trust yourself and your instincts. Don’t create what’s trending or fashionable in the art world. Do what feels right for you, regardless of what others think. That’s what makes you and your art unique and interesting. It may not be your time now, but perhaps years from now, it will be.

Free Drawing #235
7 x 5in
Watercolor and Gouache on Paper
2013

Marta Malachowska Warsaw, Poland

I first heard of Vincent Serritella’s project while browsing The Jealous Curator website (which I adore and really admire). I found the idea of giving away art for free as really refreshing and simply brilliant. I believe that it is a project that should be conducted on a broader scale – it reminds us of what is really important in art and it is, in my opinion, not what the artist literally gains (like fame or money), but what the artist gives to people. I draw and write a lot myself, but I always seem to lack self-confidence to publish it or even share with friends. Serritella inspired me to be brave as he shows that art really is for everyone.

Erin Halper New York, NY

I won a painting of an animal skull. I don’t even know what kind of animal it is, which is part of the mystery that I love. I’ve seen some of Vincent’s large scale work before and couldn’t believe that such an accomplished and talented artist was going to give us “regular folks” a chance to own an original piece of his. The feeling of winning is exhilarating and Vincent has created an equal opportunity contest of sorts, which truly allows anyone and everyone an opportunity to own a piece from his collection. To be one of the 365 feels special and like I am a part of something bigger. I am in the process of framing the piece and can’t wait to tell the story of how it landed in my home.

Michelle Powell Doha, Qatar

Vincent’s initiative is a brilliant way of enabling anyone to own an original piece of artwork. We live in the small Gulf State of Qatar and access to art here is limited. We were delighted to win one of his free daily drawings on Facebook, which has pride of place in our villa and amazingly, our neighbours across the road also own a piece. Thank you, Vincent!