Landscape painter Karl Terry is in the Spotlight today – see more of his work at www.karlterry.co.uk
Being a painter
Please give us a few words of introduction about yourself
I am a fanatical plein air landscape painter.
When did you decide to pursue painting as a career?
About 8 years ago when I was reaquainted with my grammer school art teacher
What training did you have?
None!
What has been the high point of your career so far?
Being elected a member of the Wapping Group and winning the Redrag Award at the Royal Society of British Artists
General Questions
What’s your favourite quote?
Look for the colour in grey and the grey in colour…Velasquez
Who is your favourite artist?
I have so many but Corot is probably my all time favourite.
What are you aiming for?
To become the best painter that I possibly can and to continue learning from nature
How will you get there?
With lots of hard work, commitment and observation
Is anything holding you back?
Not enough time…
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 hope I can help reveal how beautiful our world is in all weather conditions. I’m often suprised by peoples reactions and theyre often suprised with how quickly I paint.
From start to finish, how long does it take for you to create your work?
Approximately 2 hours
What music do you like to listen to when you work?
I don’t…I just listen to the rustling of leaves and the sounds of nature
Being inspired by painting
Who (living or dead) inspires you? and why?
John Singer Sergeant..He could paint and draw better than me as a 15 year old.
What feelings, subjects or concepts inspire you as a painter?
I feel inspired by all of my surroundings whatever the weather. Just getting out in the landscape overwhelms me and I am never short of subject matter or inspiration.
What is your favourite work that you’ve produced so far and why?
I m happiest with my paintings of Venice in the fog. Trying to capture the amazingly close toned atmosphere was a very difficult but rewarding challenge.
a painter’s advice
For those thinking about turning a passion for painting into a career, could you give any advice?
Be true to yourself and paint what really excites, and work incredibly hard…there are no short cuts!
