See more work at: www.AlanMinshull.artweb.com
Being a painter
Please give us a few words of introduction about yourself
I am passionate about the world that we live in, despite what goes on it is a wonderful world and nature is my first inspiration in art. My work tries to reflect how I believe our oceans and coastlines ideally should remain, natural and revered. I try my best to support ocean awareness as much as I can and to promote our beautiful blue planet as the ocean has been so kind to me..
My intention is to capture moments in time that leave a positive memory in the viewer, to create an almost scuba diving experience of beautiful realms beneath the water’s surface. Enabling the viewer to swim amongst clean sea beds and be washed over by the ever moving tide; or brush past sea turtles and be filled with color as they pass through schools of tropical fish. It is hopefully a welcome introduction to a beautiful world deep beneath the surface for those who live nowhere near the coast or who don’t have immediate access to the sea, a world that maybe only a few are blessed to see with their own eyes.
My above water waves and seascapes try to take the viewer to a special natural place…
When did you decide to pursue painting as a career?
I have always painted and wanted to pursue art as a career but really it was around 2005 that I got my first break after being an intermediate level surfer and began painting oceans and marine wildlife for others who suddenly wanted to own one of my paintings.
However, even today I find myself out of work and constantly pursuing the opportunity to go full time and sell lots of paintings.
What training did you have?
I have had no training at all. Much of what I do today comes from painting constantly and working things out for myself. I do sit in natural places, go for walks and take hundreds of photos so that I can work from them.
What has been the high point of your career so far?
Being awarded a place on the prestigious ‘Ocean Artists Society’ by Wyland, Americas Ocean artists and marine wildlife ambassador. Now being one of the worlds top ocean and marine wildlife artists.
General Questions
What’s your favourite quote?
What we do in this life will resonate not just within ourselves but within everything, as all things in life are connected..
Who is your favourite artist?
I have no favourite artist, but I do love the work of Van Gogh, Constable, Waterhouse and as many fantasy artists out there.
What are you aiming for?
I am aiming to one day open my own gallery and send copies of my work and originals all round the world and to work in art full time and earn enough to support myself and as many conservation societies as I can. To promote ocean and marine wildlife awareness around the world.
How will you get there?
I will constantly paint my seascapes and keep entering competitions and apply for galleries in the hope that soon someone will see my work and see some potential within me.
Is anything holding you back?
Finance.
You and painting
What feelings or reactions do you hope to arouse in people who view your work? Are you ever surprised by reactions that you get?
I try to send out a real positive influence through my paintings so that people feel happy when they see my work, or think that nature really is beautiful. I attempt this by using bright vivid colours, lots of sunlight, idyllic scenery and of course wildlife. The subliminal message of course is to influence the person to think more about protecting and preserving our planet and caring more about the environment and its inhabitants.
From start to finish, how long does it take for you to create your work?
My work usually takes anything from a week to a maximum of two months.
What music do you like to listen to when you work?
I love listening to natural sounds of the ocean but also Clannad and New Age holistic, meditation, relaxation music.
What are you working on next? Any future plans or projects in the pipeline that we should look out for?
I am now working upon a large 40×40 Inches canvas depicting a US National park with a mountain range, pine trees and bright turquoise clean river running over rocks. This is a commission for a Native American relative of mine who is sending me a lovingly crafted traditional flute in return.
Being inspired by painting
Who (living or dead) inspires you? and why?
I am inspired by the Ocean, by waves, by sunlight, by dolphins and whales. I am mostly inspired by Wyland, David Attenborough, Sylvia Earle and the Cousteau family because of their commitment to our planet and its oceans and also to promote and care for our planet.
What feelings, subjects or concepts inspire you as a painter?
A feeling of well being, inner happiness and peace with everything. Love…
What is your favourite work that you’ve produced so far and why?
My favourite work so far is ‘Rushing In’. When I first began painting this scene I didnt realise how popular it would become, but everywhere it has been displayed, I’ve received hundreds of compliments. The painting or scene is supposed to make the viewer feel as if they are sat upon nearby rocks listening and watching a huge wave crash constantly against rocks and seeing the explosion of foam and colour before their eyes.
a painter’s advice
For those thinking about turning a passion for painting into a career, could you give any advice?
Its hard work but its truly enjoyable and you must enter competitions, get your work online but most of all get it out there to the public.
Any tips on how to get your work seen and get the commissions coming in?
Yes Artweb and other websites help considerably. Only by advertising yourself and getting your work out there will anyone else see it.
