MEET THE FRIEND – Chris Wright
When did you start painting?
In 2015, I suffered from burn out and was out of action for three months. I had experienced this previously in my formative roll as a Police Officer and latterly working in education. This provided me with the opportunity to join a local art group. I had always wanted to paint but had never had the time or the opportunity to dedicate part of my life to this activity.
This introduced me to sketching, watercolour and art in general. It was instrumental in getting me back on my feet mentally and emotionally. I found that I could be absorbed and lose myself in my art. I have not stopped painting since and continue to learn and to challenge myself.
What attracted you to join the SEAW?
From the first art group, I found that I wanted to focus on watercolour and learn much more about the medium. I then had an encounter with a lady at Potter Heigham, who was advertising her art work and art group. By this time, I needed to move on! This lady was no other than our own Linda Purdy. Since that time Linda has been a tremendous teacher, encouragement, support and friend. It was Linda who introduced me to the SEAW as a Friend. I have now been involved for about three years – supporting the exhibitions and stewarding. I have yet to put any of my own paintings forward for exhibiting with the SEAW.
What subject matter do you like to paint?
Landscapes – Seascapes – Boats and all things quirky….
I like to make time to paint outside and in the Norfolk Countryside. I love landscapes, seascapes and boats especially wrecks – or old wooden boats. We had an early holiday this year in East Kent and both my wife Angela (photographer) and I spent most of the time on the beaches of Deal, Hythe, Dungeness and Old Hastings. I also love flowers, wildlife, rusty and flaky objects.
Do you have a preference for a painting style? If so, can you describe it?
At present I would say my style is quite tight and I am trying to loosen it up into much more flowing and creative style, where the paint does the talking.
Are you a pure watercolourist? Or do you include other mediums in your paintings?
Over the last three years, I have been adding to my knowledge of mediums with a foray into pastels, pencils and acrylics. However I always come back to watercolour. I love the way the medium works and how it creates wonderful colours and happy accidents. I often use pen and ink or pen and wash .
Where do you paint? At home? Studio? Outside?
Generally I work from home either from photos taken by myself, or from sketches I have made. When the opportunity arises, I like to go out and paint in the great outdoors. There is something magical about being outside and I will always remember the day – even down to some of the minute details.
Which artists inspire you and why?
On my journey through learning there has been many inspirational artists – Wendy Jelbert, Hazel Soan, Ann Blockley. They have all inspired me to be much more creative and allow the painting to do the talking. I really like David Bellamy as he is so adventurous and pushes the boundaries whilst out in the wild. One of my early workshop tutors was a lady called Jane Betteridge. I really love the way Jane moves colour around the picture and can create as the colours mix together. She is very dynamic in the way she paints. Another inspirational artist has been Sue Lewington based in the Scilly Isles. Sue’s books are full of pen and wash sketches and are all completed outside capturing the moment with local charm.
What galleries do you like to visit?
I have not spent much time in galleries . However when we are out and about, we will always pop into a local art exhibition. I really love to see the paintings of local amateur artists. They are again inspirational, encouraging and helps to build confidence in my own painting.
Where would you really like to travel to and paint? What is it about this place that inspires you?
We have been planning a visit to the Western Isles of Scotland for a few years and we have not been able to make it for various reasons, so Scotland and Ireland are top of the list. It is the ruggedness – the wild – the natural beauty that captures my imagination and inspires me to paint it.
What is your favourite colour to paint with?
I have lots of lovely colours, however the two that I love to see work together are Phthalo blue and Quinacridone Gold. As they merge and work together they produce some wonderful explosions of colour.
What is your favourite brush?
I cannot say that I have a favourite brush. What I would say, is that keep your brushes to a minimum, purchase good quality brushes and learn how to use them in a variety of different ways.
Do you take part in any of the activities which SEAW offer to Friends? What have you particularly enjoyed?
I was encouraged to join the SEAW as a Friend and have been pleased to be able to follow the Facebook group. II have taken part in various SEAW workshops – these have been an excellent source of learning and experience. The latest one was Surinder Beerh at Clare.
My wife and I have also been able to steward at the art exhibitions . This has been an excellent opportunity to meet the public, members and see other artists work and be inspired whilst supporting the SEAW.
Do you have any artistic successes or achievements that you would like to share with readers?
I had one of my paintings chosen to lead the Facebook group page this year.
What is the best piece of advice you were ever given about art?
One principle is always in my mind –
“Lights against darks and darks against lights will always help …..”