Allan Youl is a Freelance Artist/Illustrator based in Wellington, New Zealand.  He was noted for his artistic ability long before he went to school, drawing Action Heroes and Comic characters... not much has changed....

Who to thank

"My wife Brenda is the sole reason that I am drawing and painting again.  She has made it possible for me to re-visit my dream, encouraged me to follow my passion, be true to my talents and supported me while I attempted do so.  I'm eternally grateful. "

My Art teacher

"This is where I pay tribute to my most influential and inspirational art teacher, Doris Youl - my Step-Grandmother. A talented artist herself, she identified my artistic ability when I was very young and volunteered herself as my tutor.    Doris lived to see a letter from the Queen on her 100th birthday - what a fantastic family gathering that was! and peacefully a few months later she left us in her sleep."

Influences

"The things that give influence to my subjects and styles are varied and diverse"  The one key artist that influenced Allan's style is Frank Frazetta.  A Fantasy artist who's knowledge of the human body is unmatched in Youl's opinion. "I strive to blend his understanding of form, motion and emotion with my own perspectives and methods".  Have a look at some of Frazetta's art here (link)

Combat sport, Allan has a Black Belt in Karate, and instructed for many years.  He has studied several other Martial Arts such as; Ninjutsu, Aikido, TKD, Jiu Jutsu, Kick boxing and Kung Fu

Travel to mysterious historical places, Rock music and all things New Zealand including Rugby - "the All Blacks, the Hurricanes and the Wellington Lions, even Avalon RFC are important to me.  I chose Asthma as a charity to support due to it being prominent in my family, and I have been lucky enough to have a talent that I can put to good use."

Moving Forwards

For many years I ignored my artistic ability and focussed my energies on a corporate Marketing career.  That was it until a few of years ago. Now, my circumstances are different, I have been sharpening my pencil (skills) and I am going to see if I can make something of my 'gift'......

This is Doris with my daughter Caitlin 1992.