Turning Industrial Boards into Portrait Masterpieces! 🖌️✨ Meet Gonzalo Pizarro (@gonzalo.pizarro.art) — an Argentine architect and visual artist based in Vail, Colorado. His canvas of choice? OSB boards — the same rough, industrial material used in construction. By embracing the board’s natural grain and texture, Gonzalo fuses ink and charcoal to create stunning faces and figures. The surface isn’t just a background — it becomes part of the story, adding raw depth and personality to every piece. What designers can learn from this creative approach: 1️⃣ See materials differently — Even everyday or industrial items can inspire extraordinary designs. 2️⃣ Texture tells a story — Using the surface itself as part of the artwork adds richness and narrative. 3️⃣ Contrast drives focus — Bold use of ink and charcoal against a rugged background creates powerful visual tension. 4️⃣ Breaking tradition sparks originality — Choosing unconventional mediums sets your work apart in a crowded space. 5️⃣ Architecture meets art — Structural thinking can elevate composition and design balance. Why this matters for design professionals: Exploring unusual surfaces and integrating their inherent qualities helps sharpen your eye for detail, form, and storytelling. It’s a reminder that great design doesn’t always start with a blank page — sometimes it’s hidden in the material itself, waiting to be uncovered. Follow Learn Graphic Design for more insights, creative techniques, and stories that bridge art, design, and innovation! #art #painting #artist #graphicdesign #designinspiration #learnart #materials #artanddesign #visualdesign #learnillustrator #creativity #designskills #artprocess #creativeworkflow
Outstanding skill and artistry! Bravo!
A decade+ ago I was chastised by other artists (mostly men) telling me NOT to do something like this because it is not archival and would be a monetary loss for collectors. That I had to stick to materials with longevity in mind and the lightfastness of the pigments/ paints I used. Plywood, pine, anything from home depot would subject to warp, moisture, mold, because it wasn't properly treated, crafted and beginner artists wouldn't think of such things. But yes it's beautiful and creative what the artist did regardless.
Oh wow this is amazing. I used to fill in particle board like this but I never actually made any art from it. I just always liked how it made it look like there were flying boards coming out of it with a black background behind some of the chips XD
Truly amazing my friend, thanks for sharing your talent!
Well put. I think it sounds exciting.
OSB and its hidden messages
What an eye, he's amazing.
Gonzalo's work is seriously next level—who knew OSB boards could tell such powerful stories?