Martin Caulkin RI

When using watercolour I build up the work in washes and glazes, often over a carefully worked out drawing. I am very deliberate about positioning objects, often working it out on tracing paper first. This allows me to get the positioning and dynamics first and releases me to be free in the painting, being open to what the washes may reveal.When using oil or acrylic, as opposed to the steady build up and contemplative feel of watercolour, these media have opened a new spontaneous way of working. I might just have a colour shape to work with, and I go with that. It is a bit scary but exciting because it’s not premeditated. Inspiration comes in various ways, shapes or objects in the landscape and the light. At the moment, I find music particularly inspiring. However, light transforms everything. It’s all quite mysterious.

I’m not adverse to using photographs as a starting point, or anything that interests from other sources: magazines, drawings, my own photographs. I don’t mind. I store it all away for future reference to spark me off.