If you want bold, evocative contemporary art look no further than the work of artist, Julia Poulton. Working with oils, her paintings are dramatic yet calming. I am delighted to feature Julia on my blog this week; she’s an artist I’ve admired for a long time, discovering her via the little squares of Instagram. Her account is filled with her striking work and I love watching her behind-the-scenes videos. In this interview Julia talks about her artistic journey, including her time at art college as well as sharing some of her current favourite artists and her tips for choosing art for your own home. I whole-heartedly agree with Julia’s believe that art is all about finding an emotional connection. You don’t have to be able to explain why you love something, or provide a critique of the work; just find something you love, something you’re drawn to, something that evokes emotion. It’s as simple as that. And if you want to see the kind of art that I’m drawn to then look no further than Julia’s work in this blog post. It’s simply beautiful.
1/ PLEASE COULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WORK FOR US
I am an abstract expressive oil painter with a passion for colour. Working mainly on canvas, I paint intuitively, expressing my emotions as they unfold from one moment to the next. With a minimal yet often striking colour palette, I use bold and gestural brush marks to create rich textures and layers. I would describe my work as bold, colourful, calming and ethereal.
2/ TELL US A LITTLE MORE ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TO BECOMING AN ARTIST
I feel like I have always been an artist as I was preoccupied with drawing from a young age. For as long as I can remember I always wanted to go to ‘art college’ and be an artist, so I followed this path and eventually did a Fine Art Degree at university. It is perhaps not an unfamiliar story (among artists) to say that this was a mixed experience! The uncertainties of youth coupled with trying to figure out my artistic path were a recipe for vulnerability in the art college environment. Critique from tutors seemed biased towards their own subjective art preferences, or what was deemed ‘fashionable’. At the time I was becoming interested in landscape painting, which definitely wasn’t fashionable in the early 90’s! However, I was lucky enough to receive some invaluable support and tuition from the art technicians at the university so in the end I was able to navigate my way through uni, painting landscapes while learning quite a lot along the way!
Since then, whilst life has taken me on different paths, including various jobs and motherhood, I have always come back to painting and for the last decade, it has become my career.
3/ WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?
I am inspired by many things from moody skies and dramatic landscapes, to a shaft of sunlight bouncing off the studio wall. As an intuitive painter, I am hugely inspired by the process itself – those exciting (often unexpected) moments that occur along the way, be it a particular mark, shape or texture. Colour is a big source of inspiration, whether it be in the studio, out in nature or admiring other artists’ work.All these moments of inspiration are what drive me forwards and keep me excited about my painting practice.
4/ WHICH ARTISTS ARE YOU INSPIRED BY?
As a young artist I was inspired by many ‘known’ artists, such as Jean Dubuffet, Milton Avery and Georgia O’Keefe, to name but a few. In more recent times, with the advent of social media and the huge change in ways artists can now be visible to global audiences, I find I am inspired by many contemporary artists who I may follow or stumble across on Instagram. A few I currently love are Katy Brown, Deborah Moss and Billie Bourgeois.
5/ DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE PLACE TO WORK?
I’m very lucky that my husband built me a studio in the garden, which is my absolute favourite place to be! It’s a great space with lots of light.I like to work big and often on a series of work, so it was important for me to have plenty of wall space and room to step back to view the work.I don’t have a ‘typical’ day as such as there are always different things to be doing, such as admin/website stuff, so I try to go with the flow and paint when I have no other distractions!
6/ DO YOU EVER SUFFER FROM “CREATIVE BLOCK” AND, IF SO, HOW DO YOU TEND TO DEAL WITH IT?
I don’t feel I suffer from creative block as such, but more the ‘ebb and flow’ of the creative process, which for me means there will be days when I’m not feeling it, and decide to leave it and go back another day… or days when I’m painting for hours, but I’m not happy with the way it’s going – this can be frustrating, but I have learnt over time that it’s all part of the process, in fact it is an essential part of the process. I have many paintings I love that have evolved through numerous layers of paint, pleasure, frustration, inactivity, and more, before they get to their final happy selves!
7/ IS THERE A PIECE OF ART YOU’VE CREATED WHICH YOU’RE PARTICULARLY FOND, OR PROUD, OF?
It’s hard to pick out one painting, as my work has changed and developed over time and I always tend to favour my most recent work! I was particularly proud of a recent series of paintings named the Midnight Collection. With a slightly darker palette and suggestion of night-time, these paintings evoke an almost dreamlike and ethereal quality for me. I particularly love ‘Midnight Serenade’ – the rich darkness, complimented by the warm colours and details that draw the eye in.
8/ DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR PEOPLE CHOOSING ARTWORK FOR THEIR OWN HOMES?
Choosing artwork is a very personal thing and whilst it can be important to find the style and colours that suit your interior, I believe it’s essential to feel an emotional connection with an artwork. You may love the colours, the mood, it may remind you of a special place or memory. Or you may just feel ‘drawn’ to a painting without consciously knowing why.Either way, it is something you will have in your personal space and see every day, so it’s important you love it!
9/ WHERE CAN WE SEE, AND BUY, YOUR WORK?
My work is available to buy direct from me, via my website, or studio visits by appointment. I am also represented by a selection of UK galleries and regularly have work available through them. Instagram is my main platform for sharing my process and new work, so I’m happy to receive enquiries about artwork seen there. It may be available even if it’s not on my website yet.
10/ WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?
After a little summer break, I’m ready to get back in the studio to start on a new series of paintings, which I’ll be launching on my website around November time. I am also excited to be working with a couple of new galleries soon, so I have lots to keep me busy over the next few weeks!
If you’re looking for a dose of colour for your interior then look no further! Abstract, bright and bold, Jessica’s work is testimony to her confident use of colour. This is art to make you smile, to bring colour into your home, and I can’t get enough of it. But whilst Jessica’s work will certainly make a statement on your wall it doesn’t dominate, there’s a subtlety, a texture and depth to her work; her pieces engage, bringing life to a space.
I connected with Jessica through Instagram, one of my favourite places for discovering artists and creatives. One thing I love about her account is that she shows her artwork in-situ. I think it helps so much to see art curated like this, showing how it contributes to the feel of a space.
Here’s my interview with Jessica, with lots of images of her work too!
PLEASE COULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WORK FOR US..
I am a fine art abstract painter, who specialises in colour! I’m a colour obsessive: how shades work with one another, how they make you feel, how colours can change in intensity according to what shade they’re paired with.
I’D LOVE TO HEAR MORE ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TO BECOMING AN ARTIST.
I studied for a degree in illustration at Bath Spa, and spent my early 20’s working as an artist agent in London, whilst trying to get my illustration career off the ground. I have been a commercial illustrator for eighteen years but decided five years ago to try painting as a means of escaping the computer! I was longing to make art in a simpler way, getting back to physically making art and using my body, instead of being slumped over a computer all day! I still illustrate and have recently been lucky to find some real success with my children’s book range (‘ABC What Can She Be’ is an Amazon bestseller!). Having a bit of financial freedom has allowed me to spend more time in my painting studio which has been such a gift.
WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?
Colour has always been a big part of my life and I’ve always had a very natural relationship with it. I wear a lot of colour, which I know some people find hard to do! I’m always on the hunt for interesting colour combinations and often save scraps of things I find and reference them later if I want to seek inspiration from them. Pinterest is also a go to place, and of course Instagram which is a serious addiction of mine!
WHICH ARTISTS ARE YOU INFLUENCED OR INSPIRED BY?
I love the work of Richard Diebenkorn, Patrick Heron and contemporary artists Liza Giles, Sophie Abbott and Becky Blair.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY FOR US?
I often paint in my studio in the morning and the first half of the afternoon, as the natural light is better then (my studio is east facing). By 2/3pm I’ve often peaked and head home to work on my illustration projects. It’s really nice to break up the day doing different types of work, as long stretches of painting can be tiring and quite intense! You have to concentrate very hard and make lots of micro decisions on each painting, so I find 6 hours in the studio is my maximum!
DO YOU EVER SUFFER FROM ‘CREATIVE BLOCK’ AND, IF SO, HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH IT?
Often! Some days it just flows really well and sometimes it really doesn’t!! I always work on a few paintings at a time, on rotation, so that if I’m stuck, I’ll just move onto the next painting. Often you just need a bit of time away from a painting to then come back with fresh eyes and immediately you’ll spot what needs doing.
IS THERE A PIECE THAT YOU’VE CREATED THAT YOU’RE PARTICULARLY FOND, OR PROUD, OF?
I recently did a painting for a family in East Dulwich in London and I think that one came out really well. It was a lovely large one and had lots of neons in it. The brief was to do somethingbright and bold and it was a real joy to work for a customer who had such a confident style.
IF YOU COULD CREATE A PIECE FOR ONE PERSON (CELEBRITY OR OTHERWISE) WHO WOULD IT BE?
Good question! Hmmm. Well it’s gotta be a colour lover, so perhaps the fashion designer Matthew Williamson? He’s always had a great confidence with colour and I think one of my paintings would look fab in his home!
DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR PEOPLE CHOOSING ARTWORK FOR THEIR OWN HOME?
I would advise them to think about what kind of emotion they’d like to feel when they see the painting. Do they want something soothing, something invigorating, something dark and brooding? Each painting really does have a different feel to it and often the emotion of a room can be transformed by having a painting as the focal point.
WHERE CAN WE SEE, AND BUY, YOUR WORK FROM?
You can buy directly from me at www.jessicaford.co.uk and on Instagram at @jessica_ford_art. My studio is always open to those who would like to see the paintings in real life before they buy! I also sell my work in a lovely gallery called Artologie in Cuckfield, West Sussex.
AND FINALLY, WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?
I will be taking part in the Artwave festival in Lewes, for three weekends in September: 11-12th, 18-19th, 25-26th, at The Cowshed, Upper Wellingham Barn, Wellingham Lane, Lewes BN8 5SN. Do come and say Hi!
I first discovered Emma’s work at a beautiful local gallery, Silson Contemporary. I found Emma’s work instantly captivating; it’s evocative and engaging. Her subtle use of colour and texture to create a feeling, to draw you in, is incredible. I could certainly sit and look at her work all day long! So, I was absolutely delighted when Emma agreed to feature as part of this blog series. It has been a joy getting to know more about her journey to becoming an artist, her influences and inspirations as well as understanding her art a little more too.
Here Emma tells us her story, and how she came to follow her creative dream after taking time out from her career to have her daughter. Do take a moment to get lost in her words and, of course, her art. It really is beautiful!
PLEASE COULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WORK FOR US?
My paintings explore the emotional connection to land and sea in a semi-abstract style. I create expressive works, the landscape acting as a foil to human experience. Each contains a tiny abstracted female figure, capturing a charged moment filled with remembrances past or possibilities for the future. Starting with a sense of place and compositional balance, I work by building up layers. I paint primarily in acrylic, but combine this with a variety of mixed media, including texture mediums, inks and rich glazes. I gain inspiration from the expansive Yorkshire coast and wild moors, as well as annual trips to Cornwall with it’s stunning light. My works are not of specific places though, and evolve more from a feeling or memory as well as the spontaneity of the paint.
I’D LOVE TO KNOW A LITTLE MORE ABOUR YOUR JOURNEY TO BECOMING AN ARTIST, INCLUDING YOUR INFLUENCES AND INSPIRATIONS…
My journey to becoming a full-time artist has been an extended one. My parents were both artists (though my father always had to juggle this alongside a traditional profession) and I grew up in houses that always had a studio, where art was both produced and collected, and interesting friends visited. These included the renowned sculptor and painter, John Wragg R.A, who was a highly talented but blunt Yorkshireman who would tell us stories of the upsets he would cause with his forthright opinions at the Royal Academy. I admired his lack of pretension and passion for conveying truthfulness in his work. From a young age my rather eccentric late mother would get me to skip school to accompany her on trips to Christie’s in London where I would diligently mark the sale prices in the catalogues of the modern art sales as she waited to bid. We would also tour the galleries and exhibitions so I was constantly seeing work in the flesh. I have made art for as long as I can remember, drawing, painting, collaging, even making models. My first artistic influences were the French painters of the early twentieth century.
At University I studied Art alongside English Literature at York St John. I specialised in collagraph printmaking and have continued this love of texture and working by catching colours on relief surfaces in my painting. My tutor, accomplished printmaker Peter Wray, introduced me to the work of Antoni Tapies and I was immediately drawn to his interest in conveying the passage of time through the marks we leave behind. My English undergraduate thesis was on the portrayal of women by Thomas Hardy and I think you can still sense the feeling of ‘The Return of the Native’ in my landscapes. Graduating with a First Class Honours degree and the University’s Humanities Prize, I was awarded a British Academy Scholarship to undertake an interdisciplinary MA by Research in English with History of Art at the University of York. I have always enjoyed exploring both words and images. My work was on the Bloomsbury sisters, painter Vanessa Bell and writer Virginia Woolf, and how they both conveyed the same sense of hidden female emotions through their respective mediums. Again, this interest in literature very much feeds into the poetic nature of my work. I still feel the influence of writers like Woolf, Hardy and Yeats in the mood of my paintings – and another painter sibling, Jack Yeats. One of my all time favourite paintings is his ‘There is No Night’. It’s pure drama in paint.
Even though I did well academically, I never thought it was realistic to earn a living as an artist. I begun a career in education marketing which lasted over ten years, though I always continued to create in my spare time, from printmaking evening classes just to have access to a press, to life drawing and photography, as well as writing. Then I had my daughter and after a break to stay home with her until school, I finally thought it was now or never to do what I really wanted in life. I gave myself six months to produce a portfolio and then took my work to two galleries. I remember feeling like I was on Dragon’s Den, but miraculously the first immediately accepted some work and the second gave me some pointers to come back in another six months. However, after just a few weeks they offered me a joint show with established printmaker Sally Clarke, who I had met through York Printmakers and greatly admire. This was at Pyramid Gallery in 2016 and though my work has evolved substantially from that time, the same mood is echoed. By the end of that year I had been contacted by an exciting new gallery in Harrogate, Silson Contemporary. I exhibited with them in early 2017 and was then offered representation as a Gallery Artist. From then I’ve been exhibited in numerous galleries with my work exhibited widely across the UK and overseas.
WHERE DO YOU CURRENTLY EXHIBIT & WHERE CAN WE SEE YOUR WORK?
I have remained with Silson Contemporary in Yorkshire and you can view a collection of my work there. It is a private house gallery where the owner beautifully curates modern art works alongside a keen eye for interior design. I am also represented by Eastwood Fine Art in Hampshire and The Linda Blackstone Gallery in London and overseas. I am normally a regular exhibitor at the popular York Open Studios and the Art & contemporary art fair but have taken a break from these during the pandemic. I am, however, happy to make individual appointments for visitors to my loft studio in York. You can, of course also see a selection of my work on my website at emmawhitelock.co.uk.
Perhaps the biggest development in the last couple of years for me has been social media. I am very lucky to have a substantial Instagram following and many clients from all over the world contact me through this platform. I have recently ventured into Reels, short videos which provide the viewer with a condensed view of my painting process. One of the first of these gained over 800,000 views and I have been amazed by the response from both collectors and other artists who find the insight into the methods so fascinating and at times hypnotic.
WHAT ABOUT “CREATIVE BLOCK” – DO YOU EVER FEEL IT?
Painting for me is a combination of conveying emotion and enjoying the free flow of the medium, with all the surprises along the way. Sometimes these are happy accidents, loose marks that just glide, texture giving depth, a pop of colour in just the right place. Frequently there are many obstacles to overcome before you feel something is right – all artists will know this feeling well. I remember a visitor at open studios once saying to me how ‘relaxing’ it must be to paint all day and I informed her that sometimes it felt more like going into battle. Of course the rewards outweigh the struggle and if we weren’t striving to constantly do better then everything would be staid. I am always grateful that I can spend my time pursuing my interest and that others find joy and solace from it.
DO YOU HAVE ANY GUIDANCE FOR PEOPLE CHOOSING ARTWORK FOR THEIR OWN HOME?
If anyone is trying to decide on a painting, to me the overriding factor should be about which one they are drawn to instinctively. Some people will simply be attracted to certain colours or marks, or feel that it reminds them of a certain place and that’s fine. For me personally though, the most rewarding thing is when someone makes a connection – when the work reflects back at them with silent understanding, revealing something of their inner world beyond the everyday. Like my hidden figures and the words of Virginia Woolf, I would like them to feel “All the being and the doing, expansive, glittering, vocal, evaporated; and one shrunk, with a sense of solemnity, to being oneself, a wedge-shaped core of darkness, something invisible to others… and this self having shed its attachments was free for the strangest adventures.”
Discovering artists like Rebecca is the reason I love spending time on Instagram. I discovered Rebecca in lockdown last year and not only do I love her work, but I find her integrity to growing a value-based business inspiring too. There’s a clarity and vibrancy to Rebecca’s work which I find so up-lifting. Her seascape paintings are a particular favourite of mine; with strong yet soothing colour palettes I feel drawn in, transported to the water’s edge. But Rebecca’s portfolio is extensive, with a wonderful range of architectural illustrations too. Her background in architecture clearly provides the basis for these detailed illustrative works but she achieves a subtle balance between simplicity and detail.
I’m delighted to introduce Rebecca and her work to you. In our interview she shares her journey, her inspiration and how the past year has influenced her work with a longing I’m sure many of us have felt for escapism, a desire to get-away, to breathe more easily.
PLEASE COULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WORK FOR US?
I’m a self-taught, intuitive artist and at the core of my work is a longing to evoke a sense of peace, calm and freedom for my clients/customers. I’m one of those ‘multi-faceted’ artists/people – a term that has become a trendy way of saying ‘I’m more than one thing and have more than one skill’ – like most, if not all of us!
I’m currently deep into working on a collection of ‘paintings from above’ or as someone very creatively expressed to me recently ‘seagull’s eye-views’ of the ocean and beaches. This latest body of work is inspired by a personal and collective ‘need’ to get away, after what feels like a long and impactful year, the affect of which I am sure won’t show in many of us for some time to come. I have been sensing so much desire, almost desperation culminating for a holiday at the moment, to fly to some place far-away from home where we can breathe more easily and relax more freely. I think we all need a bit of healing and rest from the shift in perspectives that holidays offer us. My most recent paintings are my way of bringing that to my audience. I believe that art has a power to evoke feelings and influence energy within a space and within its observer. They are meditative pieces and escapist pieces that I hope bring peace.
I work in varying mediums including but not exclusively acrylics, oils and pastels and within my illustrative work I use fin-line ink pens. There is a contrast between the detailed hand-drawn illustrative work that I do (often architecturally themed which comes from my professional background or pet portrait commissions inspired by my love of the joy that dogs bring) and my more expansive and free painting style, specialising in seascapes and landscapes.
I’D LOVE TO KNOW A LITTLE MORE ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TO BECOMING AN ARTIST
Having always expressed myself through using my hands and being creative as a child, I veered away from my pencils in pursuit of a ‘proper job’ after listening to the prolific narrative of the ‘starving artist’. I also didn’t believe in myself, so I never saw art as an option when I was growing up. I chose to study Architecture at Newcastle University and it was there actually that I picked up a paint brush for the first time (obviously I chose the more creative rather than the more mathematical course!). This path led to a career in Architectural Visualisation which I enjoyed for a decade, working with some of the worlds most influential Architectural Practices on bringing their visions and drawings to life in CGI’s.
For the latter few years of my career in Architecture, I had a growing sense that perhaps there was more to explore within my creativity and essentially it became more imperative to me that I back myself and go and see what’s possible with my own vision, take control of my own time, future and business than the very real fear of letting go of the ‘security of a job’ was. To cut a long-story short, the balance tipped, and I quit my job in January 2020 and went full time with my business.
WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?
Inspiration is everywhere. I think it’s about being present and curious. I’m an observer and a deep feeler and I can be inspired by the smallest of things. Usually though, I get my energy and inspiration from nature, from the elements, landscapes, rhythms and seasons of the natural world. I grew up on a farm so I think wanting to be outside is just something that’s in my bones. When I lived in London, I often got the urge to go and plant myself on the grass in a park, I would just lie there and feel better (more like me) after a while, being close to the earth.
WHICH ARTISTS ARE YOU INSPIRED, OR INFLUENCED BY?
I’m inspired by anyone who is being true to their passion in life, be that in a creative industry or otherwise. As a teenager I was very much influenced by Henry Moore though, I love his heavy bronze sculptures and forms but I also really think his sketches influenced my own style of illustration. I’m a huge fan of Quentin Blakes illustrative style, it’s so fun and characterful. When it comes to painters, I’m drawn to atmosphere and depth so Turner is an obvious one, but I came across a guy in Whitby last year actually who I think is doing amazing work, he’s called Adrian Wright, he’s an ex-soldier who sustained a severe injury and found art through therapy. He’s so talented and what a story – that’s inspirational, I think.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY FOR US?
I don’t really have a ‘typical’ day but I am disciplined with my time. When there’s a business to run there is always something to do! I have certain things I need to do within each month to keep the cogs turning so I spread those tasks out over the 4 weeks which leaves enough time and space for my creative work, commission work and the unexpected projects that pop up. An example of a day would be waking early and enjoying a cup of tea in bed before heading out for a run over the fields where I don’t see a soul – I run alongside a river and up an old roman road before heading home for a shower and breakfast. This is the best start to a day, one that starts with fresh air and exercise, it sets me up and energises me. I’m usually in my studio by 9, I’ll log onto my PC respond to emails and then pack any orders that may have come overnight (I design & sell cards/prints/wraps through my own website and ‘friends of Joules’ too). The rest of the day will either consist of working at the computer on the ‘behind the scenes’ stuff of business or I’ll have made space for painting/commission work in which case, I’ll turn my phone off, put a podcast/music on and get into a mind state where I don’t feel like I’m being pulled away. I’ll have lunch at 1 for half an hour and return to the studio, working usually until 5/6 before locking up and most recently heading out to play tennis or simply being outside, perhaps going for a walk or chatting with friends. I try to honour my weekends by not working but it’s not always possible. If I feel I need it, I will delete social media from my phone for a weekend. It can be all-consuming running a business and I try to give myself headspace away from it where I can, so that I remain focused and fresh.
DO YOU EVER SUFFER FROM “CREATIVE BLOCK” AND, IF SO, HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH IT?
I don’t expect myself to feel inspired all the time and there is always plenty of work to be done that isn’t so creative but yes sometimes I want to be producing creatively and I struggle to find the ‘on’ switch!
I think we can get stuck in our heads too often, trying to think our way out of a problem or into creativity, inspiration and motivation and I have just learnt over time that it doesn’t work that way for me. Creativity comes from freedom, not through thinking too hard or trying to force it. I swear by getting outside, a bit of fresh air always does wonders. Often, I just need a change of scenery, to step away from technology and work and go outside for a walk, averting my brain and eyes elsewhere – that usually does the trick!
IS THERE A PIECE OF ART YOU’VE CREATED THAT YOU’RE PARTICULARLY FOND, OR PROUD OF?
Usually I am most proud/fond/attached to the latest piece I’ve created, I suppose that’s common. As we evolve and our work evolves, we hope that we’re getting a little better each time. Right now, I’m really in love with my latest collection (Soar, being one of them) as it speaks to how I feel at the moment and where I want to be, artistically I think it’s interesting too.
I can look back on previous work and feel proud too though. I’ve been commissioned to draw lots of dogs and I’m really fond of many of them as they’re so characterful and I can sense the personality of them and joy they bring to their families, that makes me smile and knowing they’re loved gives me a sense of pride. There is also one particular painting I did nearly 15 years ago now of a scene I took a photo of myself. I was cycling around the outer Hebrides with a friend and we were just pulling into our accommodation for the evening on the edge of the ocean, the light was absolutely stunning, there were cows grazing in front of the setting sun and I thought to myself ‘I must capture this’ – thankfully I managed to get a photo in time and when I returned home, I painted it…it’s still in my parents’ kitchen and I still love it as it takes me back to that moment and place and it’s sort of a multi-sensory experience every time I look at it because I remember the light and the wind and the smell of the sea air…I think that’s the beauty of working on personal commissions for clients now, if I can recreate a memory of a place or take them away to somewhere else in their mind then I think that’s where the magic lies.
IF YOU COULD CREATE A PIECE FOR ONE PERSON (CELEBRITY OR OTHERWISE) WHO WOULD IT BE?
Interesting question, I’ve never thought about this. My ambition with my work is for it to connect with people on a meaningful level. It’s the best feeling in the world, knowing that whoever owns my work is totally in love with it and as it’s creator, I have to accept that they love it for their own reasons; we all carry our own memories, history, stories and life experiences that get projected onto artwork. I heard a musician describe this process similarly recently, he said as soon as his work is in the public domain, it is no longer his. I think that is true of artwork too, it’s very personal. There are people whose creative work I absolutely love and devour, that I have gained so much value from myself and I would love to give back to them creatively in this way but I would want my work to do the same for them, which isn’t guaranteed. I’m going to back out of answering this question for that reason!
DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR PEOPLE CHOOSING ARTWORK FOR THEIR OWN HOME?
I am very much an advocate for designing our interior spaces with their psychological impact in mind; we can use colour, lighting, artwork, plants, proportions, and materials to evoke feelings within a space. Whether you are designing your space, décor and styling around the artwork or you are looking to find artwork for a space, my top tip would be to ask yourself how you want to feel within that space, what vibe do you want to induce? Kitchens/dining areas are usually much busier than living/sleeping areas for example where you want to relax and unwind. Is the space one that you want to feel inspired, calm, rooted or free within? Is it a slow and gentle space or a lively and energetic one? Narrowing down your desired atmosphere for a space to say 3 words can be a really helpful starting point for either choosing a piece of artwork or commissioning one and from there you can start to think/talk about tones, scale and scenes. I’m always happy to guide clients through these questions and provide consultations when required.
LET US KNOW WHERE WE CAN SEE, AND BUY, YOUR WORK?
My website is a great starting point www.rebeccaharrisondesigns.co.uk and I’m also active on Instagram @rebecca_harrison_designs where I try to share some ‘work in progress’ videos from time to time and often share my inspiration on Instagram stories; think nature appreciation, lots of waves crashing, interesting sunsets, skies and generally anything peaceful that I’m enjoying on a walk.
I am delighted to start my Behind-the-Easel blog series with an interview with Lucia Smith, an artist local to me, based in Ilkley, Yorkshire. I met Lucia a few years ago at an outdoor event where she was doing an art demonstration; I was instantly drawn to her ability to capture the feel of the landscapes I have grown up in and around; the landscapes I am happy to lose myself in whenever I can. I also remember being completely in awe of her pastel boxes; seeing the vibrancy of the colours, the worn, loved pieces of pastel all together – there’s something quite magical about them.
Here Lucia tells us about her art, her processes and her inspiration, as well as her current “quest”. It’s an honest, and insightful read, one which I am honoured to have on my blog. There’s a photo of that pastel box too, so do take a look!
COULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WORK FOR US, PLEASE?
I paint the glorious Yorkshire Dales in all seasons and all colours! I aim to capture the feeling of being in this glorious place, climbing that hill, enjoying that moor, watching those clouds. My paintings include accurate representation of landmarks and moors and contours, but I also simplify reality in order to focus on light and weather, and the movement of the scene: when the breeze blows and the shadows chase across the heather.
Soft pastels are my key medium; I love their vibrancy and immediacy. I start by carefully planning my composition, pinning down my vision, rhythm and colour palette for the painting.
The Yorkshire Dales National Park (YDNP) is on my doorstep, and it is full of variety, wild open spaces, pathways, ancient routes, geological wonders, fabulous skies, meandering rivers, valleys of grandeur and valleys less known.Being amongst it all is somehow restorative and soothing, uplifting and re-energising, all at the same time. The YDNP slogan is ‘breathing space’: I strive to capture this in a painting to put on a wall.
CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE MORE ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TO BECOMING AN ARTIST?
It has taken many decades! I’m mainly self-taught using short courses in all sorts of techniques; eventually stumbling on soft pastels when studying portraiture. They are a fabulous medium: vibrant, flexible, and forgiving. I have now developed my own techniques of underpainting and priming before applying the pastel layers; but I continue to experiment. I’m working with my fine art printer at the moment to develop some mixed media ideas so that my original work won’t always have to be glazed; you can follow all about that on my social media.
WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?
Quite a long time ago I spent some years in Australia: this experience seemed to give me a new eye for intense light and drama, and it has stayed with me! I think this helps me find exciting colours whenever I’m in the Dales, whatever the weather. And this then helps capture the magic of being there, the feeling of being there. The feeling of being on an open moor with the breeze in your hair, the ascent making your legs ache, and that cloud about to move and change everything. The profound joy of it all!
Being a co-founder of Ilkley Arts in 2011 gave me the confidence to embrace being a full time professional artist and realise that my focus and inspiration were indeed the Yorkshire Dales. I now need look no further. I can literally look out of my studio window and see Ilkley Moor.
Many years ago I came across a quote by the iconic landscape painter John Constable, he said, ‘I paint my own places best’ and I totally agree! To paint well I need to know a place, feel it, explore it: and only then do I have the knowledge, and perhaps the gall, to paint it boldly. And so I stay focused on the Dales.
These days, more than ever, I think we all know that spending time in open spaces is good for both mental and physical health. Being able to share the spaces of the YDNP through my paintings feels like a great honour.
I’D LOVE TO KNOW WHICH ARTISTS YOU ARE INSPIRED BY, OR INFLUENCED BY?
Too many to mention! I am influenced today by both professional and amateur work, and questions from my students keep me on my toes, constantly thinking and evolving. I love that.
Early influences were the Impressionists, particularly Monet. I once took a train from Birmingham to London just to sit in the National Gallery and spend some time with one of the huge Monet Lily Pond paintings; it offered me head and heart space away from city-living when nothing else could! (at that time I couldn’t access open countryside, though I could get between Birmingham and London!)
CAN YOU DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY FOR US? OR PERHAPS LET US KNOW WHERE YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO WORK IS?
I always need to walk before I work. Not just big walks out on the Moors to gather fresh views, but also quick walks around the block to clear my head and get in-tune with the issues currently on my easel.
My studio is in my home, just off the kitchen. I like my work to be available to mull-over during non-working days. It is often in those in-between times when the solution to a painting suddenly appears; maybe more colour – maybe less, maybe more vibrancy -maybe less, maybe more shadow, or less tone. I need to live with my paintings to let them develop as a whole.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
A couple of years ago I launched myself onto a ‘QUEST’. It is a journey really, rather than a destination: to explore and then paint ALL the named Dales in the YDNP!
I asked the rangers at the YDNP for help: and the list was rather daunting, there are 49 named Dales in all.
The project is pushing me to explore other places within the National Park, remote places and less favourite places, such as Colsterdale, Apedale, Skegdale and Grisedale (there are so many!). But each has its own character and sense of unique space. It is sometimes quite a challenge to work out what to capture, and from what viewpoint. I am finding out so much as I go along; ancient history, recent history, geology and so much more. I am writing blogs to record some of it all; they are all on my website if you’d like to learn more.
DO YOU EVER SUFFER FROM “CREATIVE BLOCK” AND, IF SO, HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH IT?
Of course! Whatever work we do, I think we all have our un-motivated days when everything feels hard to get started. But I have developed some ways of getting round it so that it doesn’t cause me too many problems. When I don’t know where to start, or how to, I simply make the positive decision of doing something, anything; just taking some action.It’s amazing how once you start, things happens, and motivation appears. Paintings begin.
My Father, who was a successful academic, took regular daily ‘thinking walks’ around the block. I learnt in my teenage years how much these help. He also greatly influenced my love of the Yorkshire Dales; and I love that there’s a continuity of that in my work.
IF YOU COULD CREATE A PIECE FOR ONE PERSON (CELEBRITY OR OTHERWISE) WHO WOULD IT BE?
Oh wow, what a question! It would have to be someone who greatly values our planet earth and all the beauty it offers; someone who understands the vital importance of that. Could I dare say David Attenborough? Gosh, wouldn’t that be a privilege!
DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR PEOPLE CHOOSING ARTWORK FOR THEIR OWN HOMES?
My suggestion is to think about what you would like the painting to do in your home; what presence you would like it to have, what ambience you would like it to create.
Mull-over your thoughts and be honest. When taking on a commission piece I love thatconversation with my clients: teasing out their honest comments is such an insight and one of the joys of commission work. It can get quite personal!
But once the above is acknowledged, then a viewpoint, location or scene usually gets pinned down, and colour and mood follow. Then it’s time to get out a tape measure and work out a good size for your wall, and a good ratio (height and width). All of this information will help any artist enormously when creating a bespoke piece: never be afraid of contacting an artist to see if they have work available that might suit. All enquiries are extremely welcome!
