Kevin Hughes RI

Statement

My initial inspiration was purely observational, from the landscape and buildings around me. As my work progressed I became more concerned with the spatial aspects and more influenced by other painters. Technique is important but only as a means to the end.

Methodology

Painting outside is difficult for me, the glare from the paper creating problems with colour values. I usually begin with a sketch which is sometimes worked into a finished drawing with attention to composition, form etc., but often the painting is done directly from a rough sketch and a large dose of memory. When painting I am concerned with the behaviour of the paint, the way it reacts with the other pigments and the paper itself. the wetness of the paper is important, from wet on wet allowing the paper to dry for days before laying a wash over with other colours. I apply the paint in a variety of ways including toothbrushes, sponges, pieces of material, string etc., as well as the best sable brushes I can afford. I also use templates cut from paper, the paint then sprayed or thrown with a variety of brushes.

Bio

1947 Born on 4 September in Colwyn Bay, North Wales

1966-69 Studied at Reading University

1971 Studied at Polytechnic of North London.

Informally taught Painting and Printing by Caroline Clough and Anthony Kerr

1975-81 Illustrator of books, magazines etc.

1981 Moved from London to Wiltshire, began painting full-time

2000 Elected a Member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours