Hester Berry, Combesgate Beach
A rocky stage for a windswept sea and sky
Q&A with the Artist
What is this work about? Is it a depiction of a specific place?
It's almost always about light, rather than about the landscape/subject itself. Here, it was about the particular colour of evening light as it fell on the various surfaces.
Where did you create it — on location or in the studio? How long did it take?
I made it in the studio, it will have taken around 3 hours. I try to paint quickly to keep things fresh and dynamic, without overworking things.
Does the finished piece reflect your original vision?
I don't really start with an original vision, other than the objective visual truth, so I just aim for that and see what happens! I'm pleased with it though as it landed on the right colours and pleasing marks without having to labour and refine things for hours. Sometimes a quick brushmark lands just right and does something visually interesting. I try to let those things happen, and that's never predictable at the beginning.
Were there any challenges during the process?
It's always the same thing, trying to get a true sense of the landscape, and get the colours and tone spot on, while making it feel loose and painterly and not overworked. Also pushing and learning something new, rather than just making competent paintings.
What motivates you to paint and create images like this?
The light. Something aesthetically perfect about the shape of the light, the balance of colours, as well the movement, temperature and sounds to make the whole experience.
Thanks Hester!
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