Sketches to Success: The Artistic Journey of Garth Cupido

Sketches to Success: The Artistic Journey of Garth Cupido

Discovering a Passion Amidst a Pandemic

Local artist from Wellington, Garth Cupido, found his calling amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. What started as a simple pastime of sketching an old car transformed into an unexpected career path, leading Cupido to create commissioned artwork of cars for clients worldwide. His drawings, meticulously detailed and strikingly realistic, have garnered international attention online, showcasing the talent he has developed over the years.

From Auto Sales to Artistry

Cupido’s journey into the realm of professional artistry began unexpectedly at work when he sketched an Opel during a quiet day. After sharing this drawing online, he found himself receiving a surge of requests for commissioned work. This newfound source of income proved to be the silver lining during the lockdown when his job in auto sales was temporarily suspended. As 2021 drew to a close, Cupido decided to fully commit to his art career, leaving behind his day job.

Global Recognition and Increasing Demand

The artist’s first commissioned work originated from a woman residing in the United States. She had chanced upon his drawing of a Volkswagen Beetle in a Facebook car group and was moved to request a personalized piece. Today, Cupido completes approximately eight to 14 pieces a month. Each artwork, depending on its size and complexity, can take him between 20 to 40 hours to perfect. His drawings, filled with intricate detail and stunning realism, are often mistaken for photographs at first glance.

Exploring Diverse Art Mediums

Cupido’s recent work includes an acrylic painting of legendary Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna. He employs a variety of mediums for his artistry. His freehand drawings are typically created using pencils, alcohol markers, and Polychromos pencil on 300GSM smooth paper. For his paintings, he opts for acrylic paint on canvas.

Thriving on Commissions and Favorite Creations

While there is a degree of uncertainty that comes with relying on commissions for income, Cupido counts himself lucky to have a constant flow of work. His clients are primarily international, including a loyal patron from Holland for whom he has created about 20 car artworks. Among his works, his favorite piece remains a drawing of the 1965 Ford Mustang GT350 Fastback.

Future Aspirations: From Canvas to Gallery

Moving forward, Cupido is currently engrossed in a canvas acrylic painting featuring several F1 legends. He harbors hopes of having his work showcased in an art gallery someday. His journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of passion and creativity, demonstrating that even amidst challenging times such as a global pandemic, one can find an unexpected path to success.