FOR ARTISTS OF ALL ABILITIES TIPS - TECHNIQUES - IDEAS - INSPIRATION May 2022 £4.99 LiFe ‘that, you might get it partner ducked!” The 1HOW | WoRK | IN THE STUDIO Painting teaches you a lot about life. Something I’ve had to overcome is eeping optimistic a“ ‘8 worla-lass boxer. There Is also Finchiey ABC a huge canvas ofthe athlete training ‘alone, with his coaches looking on and 3 busy gym beyond. It creates a sense of Isolation that Max can relate to himself \when working alone at his easel, despite sharing his studio witha small team of veo editors, But the scene also tells a story, and this narrative element isthe artist's favourite thing to paint Most ofthe time, Max will capture his chosen subject in situ, rendering the likeness with ol on small panels, whether i's Geer grazing in Richmond Park or chets at work in Marcus Wareing’s kitchen. He will then return to his studi to paint the piece ‘on alarger support, relying solely on his oll sketch (never photographs) asa reference. Yet there are some exceptions, ke when he returned tothe same spot every night for three months to paint the metre-wide On London Bridge, making fiends with a homeless man who agroed to sit for him. ‘The artist's preference, however, is 10 paint alia prima It shows your skil you're able to paint it in a quick time," ne says, jumping up eagerly and grabbing a primed panel to give a demo. His enthusiasm is contagious as he pants with swift, precise brush strokes, working from a bunch of >HOW I WORK | IN THE STUDIO sunflowers currenty in his studio for an upcoming exhibition of oals to goon show ‘at London's Richard Green galery in May. Flowers are a subject at odds with Max's appetite for danger, but he saw the request from his gallery asa chance to take a much-needed break. “It got very intense atthe end of last year and my health was ‘ectining,"he says. “Tm taking a breather When tve had my break, going to shoot off to South America and go again." Max's next big adventure isto paint the Jaguars which le along the banks of the Pantanal in Braz, The pieces wil go on show in December in Hat ~ just one of the shows scheduled into the artist’ tve-year plan, writen in permanent marker across ‘8 wal in his studio, located down a cobbled ‘mews in Kennington. "Some people think It’s bt obsessive,” he admit, “but a large painting takes six months, so if you do wo, ‘that's a year's plan already.” Every Monday morning, @ new weekly schedule goes up on an adjourning wall to, proving Max has the focus, dedication and ambition to match his unwavering artistic prowess and ingenuity. Also admirable is his glass hatf‘ull attitude. “Painting teaches YOU alot about lif,” he says. “You learn how to make hard decisions and how to keep calm under pressure. Something "ve had to overcome is keeping optimistic as sometimes being an artist can be brutal ‘There are so many ups and downs.” ‘Such @ wise atituce belies the artist's age, but he's already achieved so much, We've not even mentioned his sell-out solo show, his beguling portraits, his interiors of 10 Downing Street and how his attempt to kgeta ticket on one of Elon Musk’s SpaceX missions went viral. “Somebody has to be the first artist on the moon he adds, “ts {genuinely possible and stil ave iin mind.” Watch this space. Aenisonpender.comCC Power The Times **** The Telegraph **** 7 n Bests Dey HOLBURNE Portrat a MUSEUM Car AL nclusive Painting Holidays forall abilities. A team of well-respected Artist/ Tutors that we have worked with for over 17 years. 1 = re ee ee ee ey aera rT ar eee ek Renna Ree ent ee Raffaele Noble, ounder of Tuscany inthe Frame personaly researches al be paitng locaton Vroughout aly and now also Maka Porasetsaiscnaertinet neurite ou tenon enka ateeraiguten detain tame tet MUO USC ea UCC (eee Italy +39 3342191885 | Mobile +39 339 825 6617 raffaele.villanobile@gmail.com | www.tuscanyintheframe.com | www.villanobilecortona.comHow I worK | Goldfinic Elson The artist and art photographer is fascinated by the light and shadow as captured in the paintings of the old masters. Here she tells NIKI BROWES how she gets it done urrey-based Tracy Goldfinch Elson was elght years old and drawing a schoo! friend's portrait when she discovered her artistic talent. Selttaught, ‘a central theme to all her works family = her husband and two daughters often sit {or her palntings~ stl ite and femininity. Mostly working in ols, she also uses photography as an outlet forher artiste ‘expression. Making the most of Instagram ‘asa platform to sell her work, she recently collaborated with The Royal Ballet to create ‘the Royal Ballot Renaissance sorles of Prints and posteards. ildhood. An early memory is of me drawing a portrait of one of my classmates. at primary school. | remember it attracted ‘quite the crowd of watchers, including my teachers. | was very sh but very able and clearly had talento nurture. |eame fram very humble beginnings and being one of sk children this unfortunately did not gve me the opportunity for formal art traning Stil im passion has always been present throughout my life and has always been simmering away in the background. ‘The way they were able to capture light, shadow and texture fs a huge source of fascination to me. Many of thelr works, lteally, make my heart quicken and chest tighten. i's an intensity of feeling that | try to hhamess and apply to my own work. "tally rly on my instnet when tm working, wether tis is applied to my photography+. . uf aa YY ’ ‘ 4 id ‘a Sy Se PIP IP ISPS SPP eee} NS ” y . 2 ole a " 9 ~~) | yoo. %HOw I WoRK | L work with oils, watercolour, drawing and photography to keep myself motivated -- ll‘or painting. Im always striving to capture the atmosphere and feeling these paintings convey. created my own photographic version of Caravaggio’ Boy Bitten by 3 Lard, with my eldest daughter Megan along with a nomage to Van Eyck's Portrait of a Man, nad countless portrait drawing, commissions before I had my two ehilsren, “Megan 13 and Poppy 10.1 ftted alongside rm day job, working ina School, and required alot of intense focus and time. After my gis arrived naturally became devoted to their are, which let ory itl time for me to satisty my own creative needs. was then that accidentally discovered my love for photography, my pictures which | post on Instagram. With a growing number of followers (atthe ume of wing over 21,000), ‘and with tbeing such a supportive community it was dffcut not to get hooked. thas become a great quick fx’ creative outlet, which does not require the prolonged, Intense hours needed fr painting and drawing "nave an eclectic taste and love scouring charity shops for weasure. | have a growing collection of antave glass bottles and adore ‘aqua glass and vintage cutlery. They" litle pleces of history to include in my watercolour paintings, along with natural elements collected on a Beach or forest walk ike to keep things as varied as possible, working between os, watercolour anc drawing. a5 well as photography, to keep myself motivated, which fs not always easy when working alone Hove the work of Paul Stone. Im lucky enough to own one of his paintings, bought uring the frst Tookdown as part of te Artist Support Pledge. His work has inspired me to elude reflective elements in my compositions, such asa siver jug ora copper tankard. Im also 2 huge fan of Robert Waker. | remember discovering his work several years ago ina gallory, on one of many tips to Bath and being blown away by his way of capturing >light and shadow. | was delighted t fing him on Instagram. Alexander Debenham’ stil life paintings ae also simply amazing: ve found so many artists to admire and connect with through thistle app. love to immerse rnysetf in the work af my favourtes.| think this immersion has been key to my panting development. Im always learning, improving ‘and asprng Whilst most of my paintings tend to be stil ie, portraiture Is always present in the backsround, I dont paint them very often a ike to bull myself up tothe challenge. With so many portrait drawing, ‘commissions behind me, | must admit it ‘campen my love forthe subject for awhile, but thas slowly been returing, always have wiling models at home; my amazingly supportive husband Rob and my two gis have all gat for me, {ve never settled on a particular subject ‘or medium in my drawing and painting Maybe I never wil. | used to see this as a faling or a negative as an artist, but I'm coming to accept that, right now, it keeps things fresh for me. love to experiment eT vintage ‘Spoons and ‘qua Gioss, enor pressed paper 36325em cit Pearson wnt Linen. 2baten ABOVE Single Pum, on board, 13x430n ‘and try new styles and mediums and there is stil so much to discover and les along, the way. My work tends to include family or feminine ‘elements, which Im sure conveys much of my personality. ve never relly stopped to look too deeply. | want to enjoy drawing and painting subjects that move me and try to stay true to myset. Living in a modest sized home, I don't have a separate studio. Instead, Ihave a dedicated comer in the conservatory with my easel and everything | need for those precious few hours where i's always wellt ‘and allows me ta work and be around the childeen at the same time. Juggling the children and painting can be a hectic mix but it also allows me to have the best of both worlds. typical day starts with the manic rush of getting the gis organised for thee day, then cramming as much work in as can, or fitting in a trip to my local ‘ramers (Liphook Art and Framing) before | pick them up again. usually find myself finishing pieces at weekends to Keep the flow going HOW I WORK | HOW I PAINT {have a lovely, supportive following on Instagram, which Ive always been grateful for. 'm pretty active on there and tend to sell work directly from it Forme, it's easier to ‘manage than having a website. acts 6s @ sort of lve portfolio of my work. I's also a ‘wonderful pace to connect with like-minded creatives, Most of my creative opportunities have come from these connections. A avourite and memorable experience came ater connecting wth Rachel Holings, the Artiste Administrator fr The Royal Ballet. “Together, we worked ona series of Renaissance inspired photographs, featuring several ofthe dancers, to create prints and notecards sold in tne Royal Opera House shop. A small callection of my photographic limited editions are also sol though onine galleries, such as Richard Quartlay rt and the Punk and Thunder gallery. I's just the beginning for me, First and foremost '™m a dedicated mother However, as my children grow and become ‘more independent, | will be able to devote ‘more time to my work and my journey as an att. But for now, enjoying the tide, Instagram: @gotdinclsonartPortfolio Plus member DARIA MANDZIUK incent van Gogh had his sunflowers. Ciaude Monet had his waterilies and Georgia 0 Keete had ner poppies. As for Portfolio member Daria Mandaiuk, her twademark flower iste tulip, bringing the bloom to ife with carefully considered, sot, buttery strokes using a rainbow load of cheerful pigments ‘But ust ike her fora-painting predecessors, the Ukzairian-bor, London-based artists rot content to stick with just one signature bu. ‘Browsing through her work reveals violas 0 Joyful they are almost smiling, descent irises ‘arcing in the lat-afternoon sunshine an pink roses resplendent in their delicate beauty. ach lower Daria paints comes complete with ts own personality, ane this ts with her aim to evoke a particular emotion, as well as to Craw attention tothe astonishing wonders of the natural world that unfortunately pass many cof us by. “want to show people that even an cexdinary flower in your grandmother's garden can lock very beautiful” she says. “I want the painting to convey the mood of the flowers.” Indeed, the ol painter proves a much deoper ‘appreciation of nature ean be achieved by simply observing forms and hues aitle loser. “Everytime Ilaok ata tree or fower, | tnorougnly observe the colour and the shape,” she explains. "My eves see more shades. For ime, the tree isnot ust brown, andthe foliage isnotiust green.” ‘Colour is]an essential component of any artwork for Daria, whether painting lowers, landscapes, or street scenes, inher planning stages, a colour sketch is crucial to nese the ‘composition. Light strokes of charcoal are then used to jot down the outine on the canvas before layers of paint are add, always working fom light to dark [As any artist understands, it's not always ‘a smooth process fom star to fish. When creative block emerges mid-way through a painting, Daria suggests stepping away from ‘the easel and ating your mind wander. “eave itfor a few hours, sometimes more,” she says “Sooner or later, the inspiration retums. Ans ‘that’s the most pleasant feeling - when you do ‘a couple of strokes, and you realise the picture is irished portot.art dertismandsiok sandlustrators. co.ukEXHIBITION ACE TIME The Contemporary British Portrait Painters are holding a major group exhibition in London in June. We put the spotlight on six talented exhibiting members ‘und in 2018, The Contemporary British Portrait Painters (the CBPP) ‘raws together some of Britain's most prominent contemporary porvait and figurative painters, exploring what it ‘means to represent people in at todey. This dynamic, not for profit collective was set upto foster connections between artists, and promote the intensely fascinating, timeless act of painting people in an era of csposable dial media “Members include some of Britain's foremost portrait painters holding the highest accolades In the genre, ranging fom prize winners ofthe ‘National Portrait Gallery's BP Portrait Award to Sky Arts’ Portrait Artist ofthe Yea. As they prepare for ther group exhibition featuring the work of over 45 members this June at The Department Store in Brston, we cauiht up with founder and artist lan Goldsmith and a selection of the collective to find out more about ther practice. Ian Goldsmith ‘About: A British portrait ats, an's work explores the imerplay of ight and colour, tiling what he says san ‘almost scientific fascination withthe elements that make an image, particuarly the study cof colour eIng part of the CBPP: “Mony ofthe members ‘are naw good frends and we hope we promote that social attitude among the group. We ty to support ‘and encourage one another and work together to promote what we do. I's more lke a team perhaps than a conventional socety and, being originally based in socal media, its inherently immediate ‘and social. ove that" (n portraits: “love everything about them. The lines, the shapes and the range of colours are just so appealing to me personally, but there's also the valuable social record that they are, or how a portrait can connect with your emotions in such 2 direct way. t's also quite a responsibilty i you think about it.The portrait painter afterall has the poner in that brush to make the subject look however they choose, fr good or il People are the most fascinating and important thing inal our ves. So when it comes to wry do "paint ther, well love landscapes, but who wants to paint the stage when you can paint the players?~Ange Bell ‘About: With workin private collections worldwide, -Ange's work focuses onthe themes of origins and belonging. Whether collecting and working rom found photographs or ~as in recent months - working from ‘elfies taken by Instagram users. Boing part ofthe CBPP: "We seo the CBPP asa Progressive and inclusive colectve, open toa variety ‘ofstyles, backgrounds and artists at diferent stages of thelr career. While working insolation in the stulo ks proferableitcan be a very lonely occupation Establishing ines of communication wth my Miriam Escofet ‘About: Winner ofthe BP Portralt Avard 2038, the uniying message in all of Miriam's paintings is & sense of space, volume, atmosphere and otal, arriving ata hyper real expression ofthe subject matter. In 2019, ‘the Queen sat for her portrait by Mitam. Beng part ofthe CBPP: "| am a very recent member and this wil be ry fist time exhibiting wth them anc getting to know the felow members. Creating an artist's collective, free to st their own agenda ‘and organise themselves in any way they wish, is great iiatve. Lam very happy to be in their company and eager to see how ital develops.” (On portraits: “Utimtey al portraits are a process of sf examination, for the artist and the viewer. Painting a portrait isan incredibly intimate process, even when the sitar is mosty absent. The hours, weeks, ‘months, spent minutely studying every aspect of someone's physiognony, the way they sit or stand, the way they hold themselves, ‘the tension or lack oft inthe pose, buld up to avery personal and intimate understanding of someone's essence." contemporaries has been hugely beneficial not only ‘ona personal, sociable evel but also having the opportunity to discuss our practice and tapping into the wealth of knowledge and experience that is available. lam genuinely exited bythe work that curently being erated in portraiture and being part ofthe CEP enables me tobe apart ofthat corwersation” (On portraits: “| create detail stuces in ol, and through a process of working back into the surface and exploring mark making techniques, ldistort. eliminate and manipulate the image to create a visual language. {aim to create a portrait that not only captures a keness but also has a vibrancy and depth toi”EXHIBITION Tom Croft About A classical tine porta ater, Tm stared ‘ponretstomsberoes by ceria tee port tothe fYStNHS key worker to contact mon Instagram. He then encouraged cher orate od the sme andi ge ito. gba ithe. In 2021, he was, avarded a Bitch Emp Medal for erce tothe and cory during the Cov response. Bohn per ofthe CBPP: i's a huge Ronourtobe pat of wns deity havea song sense of poster syncrome in such talented compary. We "ational Portrait Gallery's BP Portrait Award winners, tive Shy Arts Porta rts of The Year winners ard lots of other phenomenal, erticallyaeiaimed artists.” (n portraits: "We al ove people watching and can recognise and relate to expressions and poses that give us a human connection, Sometimes i's interesting to see the artist's technical sil or energy of paint ‘application, how ign ang composition can be used to {ive a particular narrative, or you might just ke to spat Some wellknown figures and see how the artist has ‘described them. This show is arate chance to stare at people. Infact, its positively encouraged. One ofthe best things about portraiture is that you don't need to know anything about itat point of access to stil get an fenormaus amount out oftEXHIBITION Self Ponraitas Working Css E Heo A ibe Liesel Thomas aaa Avout:eraduste tom te Side Schoo Fine At pasa sm Llesel has exhibited inthe BP Portrat Award and the ‘Sel Portrat Prize. She has shown intemationaly within ‘0p shows in Exinburgh, London and Bern (On being part of the CBPP: “Painting can be quite a solitary pursult. The CBPP has alowed me to connect with other portrait artets and make great tiendships. I's ‘wonderful to share thoughts, ideas, advice and generally ‘offer each other support. twas especialy valuable to be partof the collective during the various lockdown when feoling connected was more important than over. The members have such a wealth of experience, ther works incredible and its a pleasure tobe part ofthe group.” ‘On portraits: “There's something unique about capturing a person in paint, and forte ster, there is something ‘special about soving yourself through another's eyes. People ate multifaceted, wo are constantly changing. Yr not only in appearance as we age, but we have clferent ‘emotions, interests, relationships, values and so on Choosing how to represent someone ina single image is. compelling challenge. Likeness aide, decicing what's ‘most important and how to represent that through pose, lighting, clothing or composition, means there re ‘a myriad of decisions to be made in the process." = Non oi : coconasioos, Samira Addo 30Sem40.Gem pout: A sett portal artist Samias ste consdered as contemporary realism She has had experience studying under atts auen as Nethon Ford and lari Rossel Det Tuco at Te Art Academy In 2018, she was the winner of Sky Arts! Porra Arts ofthe Year an was commission fora port of the actor Kim Catal, nowharging inthe Waker Art Galley in Liverpoo On being pat ofthe CBPP: “Frm, ‘means being part of @ community of arts. ‘As my ourey ita contemporary porature hasa'tbeen the rational route, isa collective that gves me peers inthe art Wort, which I very much value: On portraits: Tve tied a fon andscape paintings but pores defintely have my heart and | get inspired seaing people ond postures. m drawn to faces and facia fexpressions. Thee part of me that's alway tying to reac expressions and body Tanguage and this heavily featiesin the whole porta painting process.” ‘The Contemporary British Portrat Painters 2022 exhibition is on display downstacs at the Department Store, 248 Ferndale Road, London, SW9 8FR, 10-5pm, 11th-18th JuneGRAHAME BOOTH WATERCOLOUR . PAINTING IN PROVENCE he bi sk art 23 - 30 April and 30 April - 7 May Provence sa beautiful ; ™ area for painting with the ‘wondedly atmospheric towns and villages surounded bythe gentle ‘ounteyide. We stay at Le Vieux Murer, a converted old stone farmhouse and Ahi in the hamlet of LesSaletes, justoveran HS : hour from Nice. The cost = ee et eae Sttropezenplinait ——_paseed at The White Houise near Burnham Market ome lunches and ll dinners with wine or soft drinks. Teansers ‘rom Nice aiport and travel tothe painting locations each day are alo included: There is also a private swimming poo. Fights are not included and must be organised by each participant. Tere are regular flight to Nice from ports throughout Europe. Daring your stay we visit Lorues market, one ofthe biggest i the region and we ‘will pain ina varey of towne and villages, each offering countless Subjects or the watercolour painter. Lt ted then you, Gram, Jit andy fellow gets for sich «chap wack painting in Provence. Pe Ben tling even whit ret ‘eee had ith ely peopl, get lon and support andthe most beef ora to inspne ws. fel Tere 30 machen realy hope my tre ainngs fle thi but he company Twas with made isch avery ea an ay ck went by fr to pik!” Lis Neal Comal Contact jeff. monaghanebtinternet.com for details Luxury residential art breaks in _North Norfolk with superb tutors book with confidence - deposits fully refundable situated in beautifial countryside fautfous food inspirational coastal locations airy onsite studio, Bnon-painting partners ‘welcome kyartcourse: +44 (0) 7785 439727 Painting In Italy + Fully organised painting holidays including airport transfers, tuition, excellent accommodation, dinners/lunches with wine and excursions. + Destinations include Tuscany, Umbria, Lake Garda, Sicily, Florence and Venice + Professional tutors teaching all levels of ability and in all media. * Perfect holiday for solo travellers. All guests occupy a comfortable double room (no e facilities. No single supplement char + Non-painting partners welcome. Gooki jable on some locations. “Excellent sums it up. T. sas one of my best ever ho m was fientastic. Thanl detail. It was Sicily ey Bet Pn Reo es REC eee cnet tite eetMcBride Since her childhood visiting the supermarket with her family, the Scottish artist has always been interested by labels and graphics. Today. she painstakingly recreates brands using BIC biro pens, an unforgiving medium that allows for zero mistakes, finds NIKI BROWES. The Perth-based artist has longhada head ofthe art department at Perth ABOVE: Geanz fascination in the cross over between High School but, f everything goes Mean Heinz, ‘éverisingand art and how branding accordingto pian, she Intends to 2021, bro enon can be developed as.a subject reduce herteachinghoursto spend paper wth aac matter. Labels from her childhood more time as a practicing artist. background, feature heavlyin her work, whose Thestudent's loss wil be the 2uxapen hyperrealisiofnish Is created using artwork’ gan ‘2 mix of BIC erytal original ballpoint List Teseake pens in Just nine colours. She is can't exa nt Remeevons ‘also interested in having elements started drawing. guess itwasjust 2021, bie pen on ‘ofhumour, irony and satire inher always there. Ido remember my Paper with sere work which has been exhibitedin Gran and Grandad buying me my background, illerios across the UK and in France. first easel when I was nine years old, 425442.5em ‘She currently works part time as This stil used in my stio today. >THE BIG INTERVIEW ABOVE: A Two Por Game, 2022, bro on on paper with one backeround :24.5842.5em ABOVE RIGHT roam of Roses, 2022, open 09 backgrouns GMT The Br Tepe, 2021, iro sere background, Myart teachers at Rockwell High secondary school were 8 massive influence. | was never fr from the art department and, due to ther constant encouragement, made the department my second home. Mrs. Morocco in particular opened my eves tocontemporary at, and | am forever grateful for her driving me to Gray's ‘School of Art to dropoff my portfolio ldhood. come from a family which is very proud ofits Scottish hertage, ‘as am L Consequently, always strive to promote products from Scotland ‘Nona with branding and graphics, Thave always been fascinated by the reflection from glass bottles and ‘cans. thnk this goes back to when Iwas a child and often in the pubs my ‘mum and dad ran, | emember being constant fascinated with the colours ‘which emanated from the optics and the strong branding which stood as a direct contrast. Bers re I have always been fascinated by the refelctions from glass bottles ey ing and painting. am originally feom Dundes and now work from my sta in Perth and use BIC bio pens to develop artworks of iconic images. My subject matter changes frequently but focuses primarily fon objects which suround me, sparked by my childhood memories. 1 experiment using range of surfaces from antique ordinance maps tool, recycied envelopes and newspaper. careful layer the colour ane tones aiming to achiove a bold, colourful and hyperrealist syle. ith mites space at home this was an ideal medium for me to ‘experiment with as you don't need loads of equipment. Drawing has ‘aways been one of my passions ‘an it was by apply docaing in my spare time that discovered the possibilities the pens allowed me. Ist became aware of the really ‘quite extraordinary finish which ‘can be achieved with the pens after dlscovering the American artist Nicolas Sancher who uses the medium to develop small, scaled portraits. also admired artist Mark Powell's bro pen monotone compositions on antique surfaces. Another major infuence, ‘who has helped me develop my particular style, includes the contemporary artist Sarah Graham ‘whose energetic, visi exploration of light, colour and use of retro objects have impressed me for many years.‘mark making the baipoint pens hieved and the challenge of Working with bro pens i different to working with other media such as paint, Mistakes cannot be rected, ‘and need to careful ull ayers slowly and faint to achieve the correct colour. Due tothe nature ofthe pens, any graphics and lettering need tobe inserted at the beginning ofa composition with the background being blocked in late, There are several pitfalis with sing iro pens: one ofthe key ones is that they occasionally bleed. Ihave te constant clean the ibs with tissues to make sure thelr application 's consistent. can be inerecbly frustrating at times when | perfect fan area only forthe pen to bleed and smudge, requiring me to start again ~from scratch! in my drawings, Lam restricted to eight colours plus black ‘and relentlessly practice layering ifferent permutations to establish iy realistic righ. Colour has always: been a large feature in my work, even ata young age. | always strive to push the biro pens as much as | can to ‘achieve an intense vitraney of colour. From early childhood, 1 have been particularly interested in Tunnock ‘merchandise. Teacakes were lke ‘medals in my house and only gen ‘aut on special occasions. The Dark ‘Side Tile is one of my larger scaled pieces. This piece was the mast, challenging fr me to complete due tothe monumental scale of the teacakes andthe difficulty in replicating the vivid metalic fish of ‘the gold fol Over 25 bio pens anc an entre month of dally work were required to complete this pisce. My work has won the approval of the Uadingston-based sweet-maker and lam now able to trade as an official “Tunnock’s merchandiser after signing an agreement with the fm in 2021. le, both mporary to help spark o never go without my sketchbook. | also gain alt of inspiration from the pupils teach. Becoming a professional antst ig not an overnight ‘achievement. Alot of my time has Involved researching potential tzleries that could dsplay and sell my work. [nave also invested ‘a considerable amount of time promoting my work on social medi helping me to gradually create an audience of loyal followers including buyers and collector. | think tis vital ta locate and form partnerships with galleries which have an established clientele that is ely to be interested in your work. Hence, "tend to veer towards galleries that ‘extibit contemporary piacos. have spent {and lam comfortable with. I's Important to experiment and nave fun and not be overly concerned ‘about the final product. vera, "nope the enjoyment I feel shines through in my work stagram: @nicolamchidebirpenartst Twitter: Gniclamedrided Etsy: tsy.c0m/uk/shop biropenart ly = ‘ove: Tho Dark ‘sie Tt, 2024, bio pen on Paper with acre backround, s22s610m AvovE: ining Tnnock's, 2022, ‘ir pen on paper wth ace ockaround, 375129.50m anove: vintage ‘sere backaroundGod's own country is fast becoming a go-to art hub, showcasing work by world-renowned artists whilst also offering learning spaces for artists of all abilities, says Martha AlexanderCALLER!The Hepworth Wakefield Taking its name from Barbara Hepworth, who was born and raised in the city, The Hepworth Wakefield, which opened in 2024. ‘extraorinariy striking, both inside and out The extorior has a brutalist and goometicaly Inspired aesthetic above) and fs clad in concrete hile the interiors are flooded with natural ght ‘The gallerys permanent collection consists ‘of more than 6,000 works. Some ofthe mast significant are, unsurprisingly, pieces by Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore, who was also born in Wiaketel, as wells pieces by Eileen Agar and en Nicholson ‘One ofthe most special aspects of the permanent display is The Hepworth Family Gift = a group of 44 prototypes in plaster, aluminium ‘and wood, as well as drawings, Ithographs and soreen prints al of which were used in the planning processes of Hepwort’s bronze of ‘aluminium works, These objects, which can be ‘82en by appointment oni provide deep insight Into the sculptors process ~ and its such ‘privilege to be abe to see what comes before the fished, polished works This spring will se the launch of a major Shelia Hicks exhibition, whose sculptures are made primarily rom textile and are always tactile, colourful and surprising. hpworthwaketel.org Canaloto, Tho ‘ucinore Returning to the Molo on Ascension ay aftr the Coremory of Woda the Aaa Wore, tayo. 1730 Barbara Hepwort, Mother and Chi, 2934 Bowes Museum ‘The geographically savvy wil notice thatthe Bowes Museum is technically in County Durham and not North Yorkshire, but we are ‘aking the liberty of including there because itis right on the border and san absolute ‘treasure trove of etistic bounty ‘Standout pisces inthe Bowes Museum's permanent collection include two paintings {rom the 1730s by Canaletto ~ both colourful ‘canal scenes of pomp and pageantry. The temporary exhibitions are delightfully varied in subject matte, including abstract, paintings. In the auturmn the museum will stage a retrospective of Raymond Briggs, the iustrator behind iconic book The Snowman, ‘thebowesmusoum org.ukGALLERIES LEFT Dsmien ts, Leeds Art Gallery Black sheee with Spread over three foors, Leeds Golden Hors, 2009 ArtGallery~ right inthe city centre (above) ~ isa serousty impressive and thoughtfully curated space boasting a variety of itferent paintings from ‘ueole Victorian vistas to seulpture by Anthony Gormiey. ‘As well as having one of the county's most impressive collections of 20tn-century art bythe likes of Bridget Riley and Pula Rego, Leeds Art Gallery 's also notable frits The Lives ‘of Others exhibition in the West Gallery which showcases the diversity and power of portraiture. museumsandgaleis leeds. gov. Pottery tom the Yorkahie Tea Ceremony York Art Gallery ‘stone's tow from York Minsters York Art Gallery, home to remarkable collection ot some 4,000 paintings spanning over 600 years of European at including Dutch masters, Vetoran narratives and landscapes on paper by JMW Turner. However the gale’ ceramics colecton is one ofthe country's most impressive thanks to donations and loans from the kes of Henry Rothschild. The Yorkshire Tea Coremony is one of the curent exhibitions ~andit ss charming as itis impressive. The pieces ar all rom the collection ofthe late WA lsmay MBE, who was considered the most prolife collector of postwar British pottery. He had over 3,600 pieces bythe time of his death in 2001. yorkartgato org.uk > (ligne: ee ape i a ier 8 G'S ‘ABOVE: Witam Ey, The Wood Charen, 1645GALLERIES Thirsk Hall outed as a country nome tothe ants, Thirsk Hall opened Its grounds to visitors forthe fst me in almost 300 years in 2021 witha scupture garden teeming with brant pieces from the lke of Michael ‘Lyons. Run and managed by husband ane- wife uo Witoughby Gerrsh, an art dealer ‘and art consultant, and Datsy Bell, who also lve there (Thirsk Hall is Bel's ‘ancestral home). The couple are open ‘about the ambitous plans to put Yorkshie and Thirsk an unassuming ‘market town ~on the cultural map. ‘The gardens, beautifully landseaped ‘and maintained, will reapen in May, nd rovde the perfect space not only to showease sculpture but fr visitors torelax, sto and even picnic. This yeorwilalso See Thirsk Hall hosting Its frst eponymous festival (19-21 August) celebrating food, culture and art wile & brand new indoor contemporary galery space i st to host some exciting works, thisktalLcom ‘ABOVE: Ema Youn, St Oancar 1954 The David Hockney Gallery at Cartwright Hall It.seomsfiting that Cartwright Hal oft created a dedicated tally of David Hockney’ work oeelebrate his 80th birthday. even how inspirational the museum was to him from so ea on in his fe. "1 used to fove going to Cartwright Hall asa kid, twas the only place in Bradford | could see real paintings” Hockney has seid. The works on dspay are his eary paintings from the start of his creerin Bradford 1 wel 9 footage of him at workin his Bridlington stud, bradfordmuseumsorg + Not far from the n diminutive ety of Ripon, Foundation ‘ld Slen Arts based in the stable block of the amet lay Steningtora Hall — gardens and students can ‘enjoy drawing and painting classes on a weekly basis. + Located inthe centre of Bingley, West Yorks Yorkshire Sculpture Park The Craft House offers a The 500 acres of getty undulating hls onthe Bretton Holl srouna noor eae serving estate, wich Is home tothe Yorkshire Sculpture Park, |S Gatsgus food and treats naturally impressive even if tel Include works from ease esis some ofthe wos most celebrated arts ae ecu aera Both parkland and andscaped gardens provide exctng —_uarenreugon ane backérops fr ste-specife sculptures and temporary sworishopa inching ‘hibition. urenty Damien Hrsthasfourscuptues on | Sona evabealute site uni summer 2023, whie this month seesthe opening. enngre inn, ‘of Rober Inciana’s fest major UK exhibition of wars fom episodio his 60-year career eee: (One ofthe most exciting permanent fixtures is Barbara + Yorkshire Lavender in Hepworth’s The Family Of Man which has been at YSP Terrington just outside since 1880, while Henry Moore is almost synorymous with Yorks, asthe name ‘the park thanks to how mary of his figures are there. suggests, a sea of Look out for Andy Goldsworthy’s work ~ always Provence purple come ‘thoughtful responses tothe natural landscape and historic summertime. Award- practises of local farmers and makers. ‘winning artist Robert ‘There i also fabulous indoor space which has Dutton leads a daylong, ‘temporary exhibitions from both local and internationally drawing and painting renowned artists. ‘workshop there on 22 July, spargukfrom your favourite brushmaker! Available through all good retailers Here of Pro Ate we've boon busy, very busy! Coss of both Squirel and Sable halrhave sen damaticaly,necessting aneed fer emaives {Aflorpainstoing fesectch and developmen nord fo solve hs probom, ‘wo bring you a brand new prod Ro Brand New Products Soblesque isa satistying blend Cf synthetic and natural hair ‘monutocture in @ tational wire mop syle. These create ‘on allernative to puro squiel mop brushes whist saltying th sablo puri INooks like sabe, eal ke sale ond it works tke sable, ‘ll at fraction of pure sable prices! evelopment continues ot « pace. We have lots of new ideas, £0 be sure fo follow son social media. Here you can discover more ‘ebout what we already do, while being kept fully informed about Brand New Products| Pro Ate Ld, Park Mil, Brougham srt, Skipton, 8023 21N ‘ocmringpreara.couk + wirwprocra.couk fetow us on ntagtam aproatebrater Kj Fotow us on oareBsnes Nt i CREATE YOUR MASTERPIECE TOOLS YOU NEED TO. GARDEN ROOMS MAKE THE MOST FANTASTIC ART STUD! (0800 242 5559 contactus@smartgardenoffies.co.uk www.smartgardenoffices.co.uk = IOS jr SMARTART HISTORY wo masters, one love A recent book explores Vincent Van Gough and David Hockney’s love of nature and Van Gogh's unmistakable impact on Hockney. By Adrian MourbyHockney-Van Gogh: The Joy lof Nature was mounted st ‘Amsterdan’s Van Gogh Museum. Two years later the same exhibition pened in the Museum of Fine Art Houston, For both events there was no itera, picture-by-piture galery ‘atalogue Instead there was an Inteigen, lscursve book writen by ‘the Dutch arte and curator, Hans den Hartog Jager, who hed previously published on Van Gogh. Beautifully packaged by Thames ‘Hudson, Hockney-Van Gogn: The Joy of Nature isa rare tome that ‘transcends the idea ofan exibition catalogue as mere souvenir. Instead, itis. timeless statement about the parallels between David Hockney lator work (the early 2000s) and Van Gogh's (late 18805) Hockney, n ld age, has become ‘0 much more than @ commercially successful artist With huge colourful paintings lke Ava of Spring in Wolagate (2011) and More Fetled Trees on Woldgate (2008) he has proved himeet a visionary, sharing with us is powertl, highly I 19 an exhibition entitled world. And with gnomic statements ‘ABOVE Vincent van Gough, note With Crows, 1890, ciloncanas, 21030 Ler ows Hockney, The Ara of Spring in Wont, aot Yorkie, filon 368:9750mi ieee wees (during time of Cvid lockdowns) he has become a prophet for our ‘troubled times. Hockney, who started his professional fe asa trendy 1960s popes. painting Holywood's swimming pools and boulevards, is ending his fe as a champion of the natural world, AS he himself has ‘ten, “We have lost teuch with nature, rather folshy as we are ‘part oft, natoutsige Ic" Ifthat were not enough achievement, Hockney’s embrace of ‘modem iPad technology has put him Inthe avant garde of 21st century art, fan impressive achievement for aman ‘who will turn 85 in Jul this year. By contrast Vincent van Gosh, who ended his own life inthe south of France in 1890 atthe age of 37, beloved his ife's work had been a allure His tragic last words to his brother, Theo, were, “this sadness Willast forever. Hans den Hartog Jager’ thesis ~ that Hockney's work mirrors Van Gogy's~is quickly established in the ‘rst 42 pages ofthe book, which juctaposes (without any text) lanescapes and drawings by Hockney and Van Gogh. Though they are separated by over 120 years itis not always possible, atleast at fist ART HISTORY tance, to discern who dd what. Afew ABOVE paintings could be by either artist. Davis Hooknoy, Both men work with lrgeslabs of Wheat lls of colour, energetically presented, vid Weldgate, 2008, and often completely unreal. This colloncanas, isdaintorealsm takes us,inboth 91x22 ceases beyond mere reproduction to 8 Powerful and very personel reaction LEFT Vinoent van to nature. Van Gogh uses swing Goh, Wheat Impasto. Hookney draws black with Parte, ‘utines round his eaves and his colloncanas, raindrops are white scratch marks. _54x56em Ina mejor conversation with Hockney who collaborated with the ‘ginal 2029 exhibition ~ the arts is ‘quoted as teing Jager, “ve always found the werlé quite beautiful, lookingat it Just looking. An that's an important thing share wits Vincent van Gog we both really enjoyed looking atthe word” ‘Compare Van Gogh's Wheatfield with Patridge (2887) and Hockney’ Wheat Fea off Wolagate (2006) and you can see the same brash joy of colour and the same intrest in the movement ofthe crops. Hockney adds power cables anda horizon, but the twa pictures could have been painted on the same afternoon looking atthe same view. David Hockney never set out to replicate Van Gogh (although he did check paint Vincent's Chairand >Pipe in 1988); nevertheless, values siilar to Van Gogh's inform his work Jager sums these up wel: Both men ‘seek to show us a word that isnot naturalist, that does not follow the laws of nature, but which nevertheless represents a perspective on the wore thats true.” This book presents us with Van Gogh's famous Starry Night 1889), !nypnotc but far trom realistic in the way each stare surrounded by whorls of yellow ight. One-nundred.and ‘twenty years ater we are shown Hockey's May Blossom on the Roman Road (2008) wit similar lush hors of pink and ight blue int Sky. Both pictures are subjectivaly tue. Ech represents what Jager calls 2 “unique, individual world tat isn effect the essence of romanticism” The two men worked very