Cambridge Drawing Society, Lloyd’s Art Group, Hemingford Art Club, St Ives Art Club, Hilton Art Club
What led you to start painting:
I retired in 2012 and wanted a hobby. There was an evening art class at a local school which I walked into and have never looked back
Do you have a preference for painting style? If so, can you describe it?
I like watercolour. I believe it is the most difficult media in art. I like to paint as loosely as possible. Watercolour can produce wonderful effects on paper. Leave it alone.
My favourite place to paint is (and why):
I love the coast, marinas, harbours, estuaries and ports. Love St Ives in Cornwall, Norfolk coast, Wells Next the Sea and Staithes.
Is there somewhere on your wish list of places to go and paint?
Venice, Florence, Croatia
Artists who inspire you:
Edward Seago, Turner, John Singer Sargent and Joseph Zbukvic
Best piece of advice you were ever given about art
There are no short cuts in watercolour. One needs to put the “brush mileage” and it takes the rest of your life to perfect the subject.
Best piece of advice you were ever given about anything
My uncle was a superb draughtsman/cartoonist – great with a dip pen and ink. He had a wonderful sense of humour and was a good fiddle player. Every Birthday, Christmas, Celebration card was personalised with wonderful, colourful and witty embellishments.
Uncle Arch was a major influence in my life and my love of art as was “Chunky” Brooks, my art teacher. So, we have two people at least who changed my life.
Chunky was as wide as he was tall! He was a grumpy chap but a sensational teacher and I got on so well with him. Sadly, he died after my first year of A level studies but he had sown the seeds within me to follow him as an art teacher. I owe him so much. I have done what I have done for him.
Do you have a preferred painting style? If so, can you describe it?
As a teacher of art, one has to develop many approaches and methods to pass on to students and therefore I have (so I am told) many different styles. When people visit my studio during Cambridge Open studios in July, the first comment is often a question as to how many artists are exhibiting?
I use many different media and my style changes with the differing techniques required from that particular medium. Having said that, I do try to break all the so- called rules and it is very much the method that will affect the style!
Describe your perfect weekend
Being at home with my wife. She working on her patchworks and myself painting in the studio.
My favourite game as a child was
I failed the 11+ examination and so went to a school whose main sport was soccer! I made the team but was desperate to change to a school that played Rugby. I managed to do this the following year and was able to “tackle” this magnificent game. I achieved a relatively high standard, playing representative rugby at school age and played first class rugby whilst at Art School.
If you could give your teenage self one piece of advice, what would it be?
If you haven’t already learned to play a musical instrument, do it now!
My favourite place to paint is (and why):
Draw anywhere outside and paint in my lovely studio.
Is there somewhere on your wish list of places to go and paint? If so, where and why?
I have been very lucky to have travelled a great deal. I spent months in Australia on a teaching exchange which was life changing and despite having returned several times since, I would love to re visit that vast country. Colour, texture, it’s all there!
Artists who inspire you
David Hockney, Kurt Jackson, Barbara Rea, Joan Eardley, David Prentice and Fred Cummings to name but a few.
The gallery I would always travel to visit is:
The Sainsbury Centre in Norwich. The collection is fantastic and illustrates the universality and timeless nature of quality design and visual expression.
Your favourite colour to paint with?
The answer to this, I think, is a variable feast! I have gone through many colours as favourite but I believe at present I would have to say that purple is offering most contentment.
Best piece of advice you were ever given about anything
Remember that the landscape begins under your feet and finishes directly above your head.
Current President, Society of Graphic Fine Art (the drawing society)
What led you to start painting:
I have been painting and drawing all my adult life, exhibiting seriously in the ‘70’s when in my twenties.
Do you have a preference for painting style? If so, can you describe it?
I have a very open mind with regards to what I am attracted to, and with regards to my own practice, I have always been drawn to creating minimalistic contemporary work – strong composition, colour and space.
Describe your perfect weekend
Taking a gentle walk with sketchbook – drawing whatever presents itself, plus rummaging in antique stores or charity shops for bargain props for my still life paintings.
The best thing ever invented was:
In my mind the ‘travelling squirrel head brush’
A person who changed my life is:
In real time it has to be my husband, retired Industrial Photographer, Barry Devereux – we have travelled the world together, recording everything that moved (or not!), exhibited together and ‘laughed out loud’………what more could one wish!
With reference to other artists it would have to be J.M.W.Turner from the past, but an artist sadly now deceased, is Amelia Shaw-Hastings. Amelia and I travelled to the States in the early ‘80’s, exhibited together, laughed and drew together. Her keen eye and swift, eloquent drawing skills were a constant inspiration.
If you could give your teenage self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Always keep an eye on the horizon!
My favourite place to paint is (and why):
I love to paint alone in my studio – working from sketchbooks compiled over the years, I can transport myself anywhere I wish. What is more, I can create a world unique to me.
Is there somewhere on your wish list of places to go and paint? If so, where and why
I should like to explore the wild parts of Canada preferably by train.
I have grown to love wide open spaces – taking in the dead centre of Australia, to Antarctica – stark contrasts.
Artists who inspire you:
Cezanne and Turner from the past, as well as Hockney for his masterly line!
Your favourite colour to paint with?
Pthalo blue (green shade)
Best piece of advice you were ever given about art
Composition, composition, composition…….oh, and negative space awareness!
Seeing the work of Paul Cezanne when at school visiting the Fitzwilliam in Cambridge.
Do you have a preference for painting style? If so, can you describe it?
Free association watercolour painting
Describe your perfect weekend
Playing Jazz and Painting
If you could give your teenage self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Look for your own politics
My favourite place to paint is (and why)?
A surface such as a table rather than an easel – The easel I associate with classical art. I paint on the surfaced that will help me free up painting from gravity.
Artists who inspire you
Frank Bowling, Jeremy Moon, Bridget Riley
The gallery I would always travel to visit is
The Serpentine
Your favourite colour to paint with?
Grey (made without black or white)
Best piece of advice you were ever given about art
Gainsborough’s House Printmakers, SAA (Professional Associate)
What led you to start painting?
I always drew as a child and always wanted to be an artist. People told me it wasn’t possible so I gave it up after leaving school. At the age of 34 I decided I still wanted to be an artist so started again.
Do you have a preference for painting style?
If so, can you describe it? My style is precise but not exactly realistic. Stylised would be a good description, I didn’t choose it, it chose me.
Describe your perfect weekend
Spending time with my daughter, martial arts training, horror or sci fi movie and a dinner at a vegan restaurant
The best thing ever invented was:
The dishwasher!
My favourite game as a child was:
I didn’t like games and still don’t. I liked drawing pictures, roller skating and reading.
If you could give your teenage self one piece of advice, what would it be?
You can do more than the people around you say you can do.
My favourite place to paint is (and why):
My studio in the summer. It’s light and warm.
Your favourite colour to paint with?
Talens Rembrandt Cerulean Blue. Other brands just aren’t the same and I adore this delicate granulating blue.
Best piece of advice you were ever given about art
I would take the quote by Steve Martin ‘Be so good they can’t ignore you’
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