Manos Felice
Manos Felice is a London based Pencil Artist from Anglo/Italian heritage. Working mostly in Graphite & Charcoal he produces highly detailed works in a photo realistic style.
Since becoming a professional artist in 2020, Manos has focused heavily on developing his craft by undertaking numerous studies in Anatomy, Photo-Realism, and Portraiture. In 2021 Manos successfully completed an MBA with the Professional Artist Institute.
In August 2021 he was featured in a competition by ‘Artists & Illustrators’ magazine with his piece entitled ‘Great White’ as Editor’s pick.
In May 2023 he exhibited for the first time with Harrow Art Society at The White Cube Gallery within Harrow Art Centre and received their ‘Ian Wright Memorial Prize’ award for best Graphite representation.
Previously, Manos expressed his creative talents through music, having been a professional percussionist for 20 years. Hearing difficulties caused a withdrawal from this profession, and he is now delighted to be creating again and expressing his new passion for drawing and art.
Artist Statement
It's been said that not everything in life is Black and White! Yet, within this seemingly limited palette, I find a profound depth of expression.
My journey with graphite and charcoal is a constant exploration of form, texture, and the subtle nuances of light and shadow. Drawn to photorealism, I strive to capture the essence of reality with meticulous detail, seeking to connect with the viewer on an emotional level.
This process of observation and translation allows me to delve into my own inner world, finding a sense of peace and self-discovery within the act of creation. Each stroke is a step towards uncovering the truth, both within the subject and within myself.
My Story
From Rhythm to Realism: A Drummer's Artistic Journey
For 22 years, music pulsed through my veins. I immersed myself in the vibrant world of percussion, a journey that took me from local gigs to international stages, evolving into a professional career spanning diverse genres and global audiences. My passion for Afro-Cuban rhythms deepened through intensive study with legendary masters in both the UK and Cuba, including Robin Jones, David Pattman, Rumberos de Cuba, and Clave Y Guaguanco. This dedication fuelled collaborations with renowned artists and bands, from Robin Jones' Latin Underground to Noel McKoy, and performances across iconic venues and festivals. It was a whirlwind of exploration, connecting with cultures and the human spirit through the universal language of music.
Tragically, tinnitus forced me to step off the stage in 2018. The deafening silence that followed left a gaping hole in my soul, and I felt adrift. But amidst the pandemic lockdown, a flicker of my childhood passion for drawing reignited. A single online course, a spark in the darkness, ignited a fire within me.
Fuelled by an insatiable hunger for knowledge, I devoured online drawing courses and delved into workshops on portraiture. Studying under the esteemed hyperrealist master, Emanuele Dascanio, was a turning point, refining my eye for detail and pushing my technical abilities.
Today, my journey has taken a beautiful new turn. Merging the rhythmic energy of my musical past with the meticulous detail of my artistic present, I'm forging my own path in the art world. Each piece is a harmony of techniques, a melody translated into charcoal and graphite. The human experience, once expressed through the power of percussion, now finds voice in the quiet contemplation of a portrait.
Biography
Coming soon.
