To see more of Will’s work, visit his website: www.willjackson.artweb.com
Being a painter
Please give us a few words of introduction about yourself
I am a 23yr old Manchester based artist. I enjoy painting portraits and drawing out hidden elements of peoples personalities.
How and when did you start out as a painter?
I started to paint when I was at school. People told me they liked my work and that I had a talent, I began to enjoy and become passionate about my work so I’ve never stopped.
What training did you have?
After school I studied a Fine Art BTEC national diploma achieving three distinctions, and I then went on to collect a 2.1 BA Hons in Fine Art from the University of Aberystwyth.
What has been your best creative achievement so far?
My best creative achievement so far was holding my final year exhibition at the end of my degree course last year. I felt a huge sense of accomplishment seeing my work up on the walls, and also hearing all the feedback from on lookers was brilliant too.
General Questions
Who is your favourite artist?
My favorite artist would have to be Jenny Saville. I admire her braveness, and interesting choice of subject.
What are you aiming for?
I am aiming to eventually have my work widely recognised and to leave behind a collection of paintings that people will remember me by.
How will you get there?
by continuing to paint and
Is anything holding you back?
My work space could be better, but other than that there’s nothing!
You and painting
What sort of reactions do you get to your work? are you ever surprised?
People are often surprised at how dark most of my work is, as I am usually a very happy person, but mostly people are positive towards my paintings.
From start to finish, how long does it take for you to create your work?
To complete a piece it will usually take me around two to three weeks, depending on scale of the picture and the materials I am using.
What music do you like to listen to when you work?
I usually listen to minimal, the repetitive melody and beats help me to stay focused.
What is next in the pipeline for you? Any new directions or shows coming up?
I have a show coming up at Bebb and Sekkers gallery in Alderly Edge, and am in talks to have my work up at the Deaf Institute in Manchester city centre.
Being inspired by painting
What feelings, subjects or concepts inspire you as a painter?
People inspire me, not only their looks but their personalities. I like to capture hidden aspects of peoples nature in my paintings.
What is your favourite work that you’ve produced so far and why?
My latest work that I am still completing at the moment, is of my Granddad. I like it because he means a lot to me but also because I can see how my skills are developing with each new picture I do.
a painter’s advice
Have you got any advice for those starting out as a painter?
Draw what you see, not what you think you see.
