Today painter Rachel Hinds is in the Spotlight – see more of her work at www.rachelhindsart.artweb.com
Being a painter
Please give us a few words of introduction about yourself
I’m an artist based in Leeds. At the moment I’m interested in landscapes and abstract forms inspired by colour, the painting process and my imagination. Also, I’ve an aversion to straight lines.
When did you decide to pursue painting as a career?
I find fulfilment in painting and was offered the financial opportunity to do so, started officially November 2011.
What training did you have?
AS Level in Painting
Access to Art and Design, Leeds College of Art
What has been the high point of your career so far?
A commission for a landscape painting.
General Questions
What’s your favourite quote?
To love what you do and feel that matters – how could anything be more fun? Katherine Graham
Who is your favourite artist?
Don’t have one, but inspired by Kandinsky, Miro, Ford Maddox Brown, John Atkinson Grimshaw amongst others.
What are you aiming for?
An exhibition at Hester Art Gallery, Yorkshire. Take it from there!
How will you get there?
I am currently working on a series of landscape paintings, once these are done am contacting the gallery.
Is anything holding you back?
Nothing holds me back.
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 love using colour, bright colours have an uplifting effect on the spirits. People look at my work and enjoy my use of colour and the energy I impart to my work. They tell me ‘I feel like I could walk into your landscapes!’
From start to finish, how long does it take for you to create your work?
My paintings take anything from 1 day to several weeks to complete.
What music do you like to listen to when you work?
Electronic, alternative rock, experimental music. Music with energy to keep me going!
Being inspired by painting
Who (living or dead) inspires you? and why?
Frida Kahlo inspires me, as she painted when in physical pain and discomfort. Her work really reflects how she felt about herself and was a response to challenging personal circumstances, her paintings were work from the heart rather than an intellectual exercise.
What feelings, subjects or concepts inspire you as a painter?
Contentment and pleasure are feelings that inspire me as when I paint the cares of the world fall away. My art is a response to the beauty of nature and the riot of colours found within. I love the painting process itself too and like the brush strokes, layers of paint and the energy I put into the painting to be evident.
What is your favourite work that you’ve produced so far and why?
‘Molly in the Woods’ is my favourite painting as it captures the mood of an early spring morning, walking with my dog in woods near my home.
a painter’s advice
For those thinking about turning a passion for painting into a career, could you give any advice?
Don’t do it for the money, do it because you love painting so much you can’t do anything other than paint!
Any tips on how to get your work seen and get the commissions coming in?
Exhibitions in Art Galleries are key, also approaching hotels, cafes and restaurants who may exhibit your work. The internet is a great resource, exposure on sites such as Art Net increase your profile and get you known.
