When did you start painting?

I drew as a child and began keeping sketchbooks as a teenager/young adult.   Wanting to try watercolours I bought equipment and a book but struggled without a tutor. In 2006 I went on a three day course with Ian King and have never looked back.

How long have you been a Member of the SEAW? What attracted you to join?

Having visited the SEAW exhibition in Bury with a friend (Penny Newman) we were both impressed and immediately applied to join. I believe this was in 2013/14.

I have enjoyed exhibiting with the society for several years now and am excited to have recently joined the committee.

What and where do you like to paint?

I love to sketch/paint outside and keep a sketchbook which takes the form of a journal. Often I record things I see whilst out walking for the day – a landscape, building, interesting tree.   My husband and I enjoy touring with our motorbike and this is where my sketchbook comes into its own as I record our adventures.  The sketches vary but every single one is a memory of a place and time.

I also have a studio in my garden at home and do, sometimes, paint on a slightly larger scale. I have, on more than one occasion, been spotted by a passer by whilst out and, as a result, commissioned to undertake an enlarged version of a scene. These have varied from a gate lodge to a steam roller!

Recently  (with more time on my hands) I have been experimenting to try and loosen up a little.  I have only ever painted with watercolours and do enjoy the unpredictable nature (sometimes).  I continue to enjoy drawing though and have been combining these ideas with my latest efforts. (see my experimental work at the top of this article).

 

Where would you really like to travel to and paint?

What is it about this place that inspires you?   I love the shapes and textures in old buildings and have passed through some amazing Medieval villages in France which are on my list of places to explore further.   This year I am planning to tour Scotland, though, and am looking forward to the dramatic, varied and colourful landscapes.

What is your favourite colour to paint with?

Madder Brown!  Without a doubt. This reddish tone also has a translucent quality which has so many uses. It’s perfect in a building or a landscape, is great in a sky with French Ultramarine, works as a skin tone and can warm a scene up by becoming a glaze. I could go on …

What is your favourite brush?

Medium sized round sable with a good point that does a variety of jobs. I’m pretty lazy and am happy if I don’t need to keep changing brushes!

Do you have any artistic successes or achievements that you would like to share with readers?

Just stories whilst out and about:  People I’ve met, places I’ve been, commissions that have been requested in unexpected places. The steam roller painting which sold twice and led to another steam roller plus a train, the bandstand sketch which sold out of my sketchbook to the bride and groom who were married there the previous day, the guest house painting that was exchanged for a boat trip …

What is the best piece of advice you were ever given about art?

“Water colour NOT coloured water!” (Andrew Pitt).

Where can people find you online?

Website: www.lindapurdy.co.uk