A lyrical eye
A new book by Andrew Lambirth has been created to celebrate Royal Academician
Diana Armfield’s 100th birthday, bringing her fascinating artistic life story up to date. As this abridged extract shows, it also richly represents Diana’s feeling for landscape and place
Q How did you begin working as a professional artist and how has your career evolved over the years?
A
Back in the 1990s I had a successful graphic design business where I was able to design, illustrate and implement all the different aspects of a client’s brief, which was wholly rewarding. However, with the advent of the computer my skills as a visualiser-come-design coordinator were gradually becoming redundant as more and more clients wanted ‘mac visuals’ rather than the handcrafted magic marker visuals and all that went with it. I was at a crossroads – should I invest in an array of computer equipment and expertise or change tack? I had always wanted to get more into the fine art side of things so this was a golden opportunity.
Q Can you give us an overview of what your working year looks like?
A My year is broken up into different aspects depending on the seasons and time of year. Most of my painting holidays are held in the spring and autumn, which is when I’m away from home most. The organisation and implementation also takes up a large chunk of my time and is obviously ongoing. I tutor painting workshops and present demonstrations to art clubs around the country throughout the year.
In the last couple of years I have been busy working on a couple of art technique books for Search Press and am now busy on my latest book. When there is a lull in activity, I actually get to paint a picture! Throughout the lockdowns I have found the time to explore different painting media and also painting subjects such as tall ships and locomotives, which are new to me.
Q What are the most enjoyable aspects of your career portfolio? And how do you stay motivated?
A I kick-started my art career with a series of night classes, small exhibitions and also wrote my first article for The Artist, which was very exciting – and I am still writing for the magazine today! My first painting holiday was in the lovely harbour town of Tenby in south-west Wales and I then went on to tutor overseas in Spain for Andalusian Adventures. Since then I have organised many of my own holidays and have tutored for other painting holiday organisations. Getting students to experience painting en plein air in front of their chosen subject, both at home and abroad, is a real tonic.
Q What challenges do you face as a freelancer – and how do you overcome these?
A Giving up the day job to take up a career in art was a leap of faith and in the beginning, the remuneration was paltry to say the least when compared with my graphic design earnings. But now that I am more established I can make a living at it and the rewards of doing what I absolutely love outweigh the financial aspects by far.
Q What projects are you working on at the moment?
A I am currently writing and painting for my latest book The Outdoor Painter’s Handbook, which is a project very dear to my heart. It’s due to be published in September 2022 and will be available from selected art shops, from Search Press and, of course, the PaintersOnline bookstore.
I have been writing various blogs for Pegasus Art, for whom I regularly teach plein-air workshops on the pretty canal next to their mill near Stroud. Join me on my ‘Travelling Sketchbook’ workshop on July 31, it’s £80 for a one-day course with the option of buying a signed copy of my book at the reduced price of £20*.
Next month: Join a professional body or art society
http://www.barryherniman.com/bazherrflick@gmail.com *https://www.pegasusart.co.uk/31st-july-travelling-sketchbook-en-plein-air-with-barry-herniman.ir