News Article 2019

News Article by Visual Art Network VAN 2019

What do you enjoy about painting the most?
I am currently enjoying the use of textures, using a palette knife. Once dried, I apply several heavy glazes (transparent pigment) which adds translucency. It's just a mass of lumps and scrapes! I try not to be too deliberate, yet once finished the whole process does show consideration. I used to paint monochrome portraiture using a technique called "grisielle". This is basically several layers of differing grey under painting. It's a very structured way of painting.

How do you start and stop a piece of work? What goes into the preparation?
All representational work begins with composition, the three points of the triangle: the linear design that gives the image the balance and harmony that satisfies the subconscious. I might sketch the outline very roughly; I don't over detail my initial drawings.Half the painting will be done on the palette, on the mixing table. Colours can be accidental and that's the beauty of it. Some artists might stick to a rigid palette but i don't- I mix this and that,even household paint and Polyfilla. Sometimes I work with models as a starting point for my figurative work. An oil painting is a living thing so alterations frequently happen and stopping is instinctual. Once an oil painting is finished it has to cure for six months before it can be varnished. Then it will be framed. All of this I do myself.

How long have you been artist in residence at the Willow Gallery? What is you artistic background?
I've been in residence at the Willow Gallery for about 4 years now. My artistic background is a little unconventional: I never took the academic approach to art. I felt I had to unlearn the principles and dogma that were pressed upon me because it wasn't the way I wanted to do things. I believe that if someone has the will and desire there is nothing which can't be achieved. I'm a big walker and when I'm walking I'm painting. The two are compatible: I'm in the constant state of a painter.

Before the Willow Gallery, I was artist in residence at the National Trust property in Beddgelert in Snowdonia. I've always loved the mountains which drew me there.

What do you think being here adds to the gallery? What do people ask you?
I like to think that I give something to the gallery by showing how an artist works. Unfortunately, the fear of the unfamiliar can be off-putting and this can mean visitors are uncertain about asking questions. The most often asked question is how long does a painting take? They are also interested in why I use a mirror. I am less often asked about the techniques I use, how I manipulate the paint, where my ideas come from and what inspires me!

How do you describe your work?
I principally work in oils for my formal painting but I also paint semi- abstracts in water-based paint. My current formal painting have a romantic quality to them, a gentle timeless narrative. I don't work to any given formula and this enables me to have more freedom to experiment with various methods and techniques. With my traditional work, I think of it as having a destination-I know what I want to achieve. With my abstract work, painting is a journey- there is virtually no planning involved. I use a subdued palette for these, with splashes of colour and I try to convey more of an atmosphere than with my more traditional work.

Paintings sell for between £1,000- £5000 depending on scale and content. Prices tend to be a little lower for my abstract work as they are quicker to produce. I tend to work on three or four paintings in rotation so that they remain fresh.