Where I work
I work in a purpose-made studio, in the grounds of our garden, which I built myself using re-cycled materials. I was trained in Fine Art - which remains my main interest, but decided to build the studio in 1987, (I was made redundant, and our five children insisted on being clothed, fed & educated), and set up doing design and illustration, achieving success internationally.
My work space contains everything I need to draw and paint in any media - see us at www.jonestheart.co.uk -and it's big enough to accommodate up to nine additional artists.
How I create
Like most artists, I allow the subject matter to dictate the media, and at other times will allow the media to dictate subject matter; for example I prefer Watercolour for Landscapes and Colour Sketches; Oils for Portraiture, and Acrylics for large-scale works requiring lots of glazes and 'textural techniques'.
I work from real-life subject matter, sketches, photographs and prints, (always making sure there's no breach of copywrite). And somtimes influenced by the approach of another artist. There's no harm imitating the style of an artist you admire - as long as it's a means to your individual end, rather than the end itself!
Tips and Tricks
- Working 'blind' - from the imagination, and without reference - is arduous. (It's often the case that children - uncluttered by process or inhibited by convention - are far better at this). Use good reference material.
- Prepare well; gather good reference and ensure composition is as it should be before you start.
- Have Fun! A struggle often leads to an unsatisfactory result.
- The more you do - the better you become.
- When you think you've done enough drawing - do some more!
What would be your dream art studio?
I think I've got it! Visit www.jonestheart.co.uk and see if you agree.
