Bromley Art Society Bringing Artists Together since 1947

How long have you been involved in BAS ?

Since 2004 when I heard about it from my then tutor, Chris Nash, who I believe had some connection with the society.

What has been the most satisfying of your artistic achievements ?

I expect selling my first painting, and realizing that someone else liked my work outside of my immediate family and friends.

What other passtimes do you have outside painting?

I like listening to jazz and classical music, and have been a jazz fan since I was 12. Messing around on my computer. I used to sail dinghies and have always been a railway enthusiast. Before I retired in 2000 I ran a specialist model railway shop, which really combined hobby and business. I read a lot anything from crime to biography, and like going to the theatre.

What made you want to be an artist?

At school I was keen on art, and got a GSCE, but my parents would never have considered me going to art school. I've always loved going to galleries and some of my wife’s family were involved in the art world, so when the prospect of retirement loomed I made up my mind that I would have another go at painting. I took a ‘get started’ course at the Thomas Calton centre, and then was introduced to Dulwich Painters, where we have an unstructured tutored group. I have taken various courses, and also regularly attend the Strand Studio Club, an untutored life group.

What is your favourite place?

Dulwich where we live. It is an oasis in the heart of London.

What is your definition of Art?

In the broadest sense, something creative produced by a person or persons which gives pleasure to other people, whether it is painting, music, writing, cooking etc., etc. Great art is where that creation is timeless, like a Mozart concerto, a Rembrandt painting or a novel by Tolstoy, and not something ephemeral like so much modern painting, sculpture and music. Will Tracey Emin or Take That be known in 100 years time?

Who are your favorite painters, and who do you feel have influenced you?

The list would be too long, but as well as the usual favourites , like Rembrandt, Monet etc., there are some perhaps lesser painters whom I like and have been of some influence, Boudin, Pissaro, Mondrian, Barnett Newman, the Scottish Colourists, Euan Uglow. The greatest influences though are Cezanne and Matisse.

What would you say to someone who has recently found pleasure in art to encourage them?

Have a go ! Go to a good beginners class to learn the basics. Do your own thing and try not to just copy other people’s work because you think they are good. Get straight into oils, gouache or acrylics, and not touch watercolour until you are reasonable proficient, it is so frustrating not being able to correct your mistakes. I think so many beginners get fed up and give up because watercolour is such a hard medium to work in. Draw, draw and draw. Even if you want to paint abstracts being able to draw is still essential. Go to galleries - not just the block- busters but shows like the ones at the Mall Gallery and watch other artists at work.