About Julian Ty
I'm a traditional portrait artist based in San Diego, where I specialize in creating portraits that go beyond mere representation. My work focuses on capturing the unique personality and essential qualities of each subject, revealing the deeper character and spirit that makes each person who they are. I believe that a true portrait should tell a story and connect with viewers on an emotional level.
Drawing has been a passion of mine since I was young, and I've recently embarked on a dedicated journey to advance my talent in this traditional medium. Through continuous practice and study, I'm constantly refining my technique and exploring new ways to bring depth and life to my portrait work. Each piece I create is an opportunity to grow as an artist and to honor the unique individuality of my subjects.
Artist Statement
“Portrait drawing is a process of choices — what to emphasize, what to simplify, and how to guide the viewer's attention. Each decision shapes how a subject's personality emerges on the page, making every portrait a unique interpretation of character.”
Photography captures a moment with incredible detail and realism, freezing expressions, light, and atmosphere exactly as they appear. However, it is bound to the constraints of the instant it records — subtle aspects of personality or the emotional nuance of a subject can be overlooked.
Portrait drawing, by contrast, allows the artist to interpret and emphasize, to guide the viewer's eye and shape the overall mood of a piece. Each line, shade, and gesture is a deliberate choice that reflects the subject's character as well as the artist's perception. Even when working from the same reference photo, drawings can vary dramatically, revealing different facets of a person that a single photograph cannot. In this way, drawing and photography intersect: one captures a literal likeness, while the other explores the essence of personality through selective interpretation. Together, they highlight the ways we see, understand, and represent the people around us.