Today’s spotlight interview is with painter Nathalie Pymm, see more of her work at www.nathaliesartworld.com!
Being an artist
Please give us a few words of introduction about yourself
I work mainly in my studio at home painting in semi abstract style such as buildings, still life, objects and places that I’ve been to. I love to add texture, collage and different mixed media to see what happens to the painting.
When did you decide to pursue art as a career?
I’ve always painted, but after my two children were born, I fell in love again with painting and decided to go to a few adult education classes to improve and learn different styles.
What training did you have?
Adult education classes only with some fabulous teachers including Hazel McIntosh, Laura Reiter and various workshops wtih different artists/teachers.
What has been the high point of your career so far?
I’ve got an exhibition on at the moment with my art group, Cygnus at the Obsidian Gallery in Stoke Mandeville. I’ve been able to exhibit lots of my work there, and so far its a great success!
General Questions
Who is your favourite artist?
Picasso, Kandinsky, Klee, Rosina Wachtmeister and many more…
What are you aiming for?
To be more creative, find new ways to evolve my paintings and to be more globally successful.
How will you get there?
Keep painting and keep evolving in my style of work.
Is anything holding you back?
Just my confidence!
You and art
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 to make people happy to see my work and to see them enjoy what I’ve tried to achieve on canvas or paper.
From start to finish, how long does it take for you to create your work?
Depends how stuck I get! Sometimes one week, sometimes months…
What music do you like to listen to when you work?
Jack Johnson, Nora Jones, Eliza Doolittle, classical music, radio… anything depending on how I’m feeling that day.
What are you working on next? Any future plans or projects in the pipeline that we should look out for?
I’ve been to the mediterranean last summer and working through some photos of all the wonderful cities visited.
Being inspired by art
Who (living or dead) inspires you? and why?
Rosina Wachtmeister – I love all her paintings, so much details and happiness in each one
Picasso – He had so much creativity in his head, you can see his work evolve from all of his paintings
Kandinsky – How he could transform his ideas into abstract is amazing
Lots of other fabulous artists (living or dead!)
What feelings, subjects or concepts inspire you as an artist?
I like to painting using uplifting colours, bright and full of life.
Subject matter is inspiring depending on the shapes and details involved; I adore buildings with unusual styles/rooftops/colours – especially if its on a sunny day when everything you look at is magnified by the light.
What is your favourite work that you’ve produced so far and why?
I have several favourites; my russian paintings, my ‘Romantic Interlude’ watercolour, my tissue paper paintings…
an artist’s advice
For those thinking about turning a passion for art into a career, could you give any advice?
Be positive and never give up! Make friends with other artists who can paint with you and offer advice to each other; make your own space at home or somewhere else where you can paint regularly – if its your career, you need your ‘office’ space like any other job.
Any tips on how to get your work seen and get the commissions coming in?
Get your own website, such as through the Artists Web, make some business cards, leaflets, pop into your local art galleries and show your work and let everyone know you’re an artist!
