We interview artist Wendy Hyde about her inspirations, creative process and future plans… see more of her work at: www.wendyhyde.theartistsweb.co.uk
Being a painter
Please give us a few words of introduction about yourself
I am an Abstract Expressionist painter, painting what I ‘feel about the world around me’ it is not a literal interpretation.
When did you decide to pursue painting as a career?
It has ‘always been there’ but after various jobs I decided to try to paint full time in 2007.
What training did you have?
I completed a B.A Fine Art and also a Teaching Qualification teaching Foundation level Students, for 6 Years.
What has been the high point of your career so far?
Just being able to work as a painter, and express myself with paint.
General Questions
What’s your favourite quote?
‘A finished painting is, or should be, a reminder of what not to do again’ Elaine de Kooning.
Who is your favourite artist?
Williem de Kooning for the fluidity of the paint and the power of the brush strokes, and Mark Rothko for his vast expanses of color that enfold you in a soft embrace.
What are you aiming for?
Just to be able to continue to paint.
How will you get there?
By never a ‘giving up’ I feel that it is something I have to do even on a bad day I have to paint whether I want to or not!
Is anything holding you back?
No not really.
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 would hope that I connect with the viewer on some level, whether it be with colour, texture, marks or form. I always wonder when I visit an Exhibition what is it that makes me stop at one painting and walk past the rest! One lady said she had been greatly moved by my painting, I feel this is a great honor.
From start to finish, how long does it take for you to create your work?
It depends on the work, some days it all seems to ‘come together’ quickly and ‘the feelings come out’ and other days its more difficult. So a painting can take me days, weeks, or months. I usually leave it up in my lounge and if I can leave it alone, and look at the work without wishing to ‘scrape it off’ I know it’s done, although I always feel discontented.
What music do you like to listen to when you work?
It varies from great Jazz Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, Etta James to Classical music Mendelssohn, Bach.
What are you working on next? Any future plans or projects in the pipeline that we should look out for?
At the moment I am experimenting with varnish and a limited palette to produce Spanish Influenced work. I keep a note book and write down anything that inspires me for future work. It’s usually colour that takes hold of me.
Being inspired by painting
Who (living or dead) inspires you? and why?
I saw Willeim de Koonings work at the Tate Liverpool ‘Door to the River 7fth x 4ftw. the sheer scale and size had a profound effect on me I was rooted to the spot. I could have stayed there all day!
What feelings, subjects or concepts inspire you as a painter?
When I see a beautiful sky or landscape, or here a piece of music that effects me profoundly I feel the need to express my self with paint.
What is your favourite work that you’ve produced so far and why?
I would say ‘Wild at Heart’ because of the scale and texture.Being able to work on a large scale was liberating, the freedom of the mark!
a painter’s advice
For those thinking about turning a passion for painting into a career, could you give any advice?
Never give up! I know it’s an old cliche but its true! Have faith and believe in yourself, and if the works good enough it will find its own way. Work every day even when you don’t feel like it and always be grateful for the gift you have been given.
Any tips on how to get your work seen and get the commissions coming in?
I started by putting my work on line, at ‘least it’s out there’ the Internet is a great source in today’s art world, you would be surprised who sees it! As for commissions I’m not always sure, some times I find they can be restricting!
