Unmistakeable style

What an absolute delight it was to read 'In conversation' with Fred Cuming RA in the summer 2021 issue. As well as learning a little more about Fred’s undoubted passion for painting, there were a few paintings that I hadn’t seen before. One of these, Self Portrait in Studio is a wonderful interpretation of the artist in his new studio, painted in his unique and unmistakeable style.

I have a copy of Fred's book Another Figure in the Landscape, which he kindly signed for me and I will always treasure, as well as both of his DVDs. If I ever find myself short of inspiration, my go-to DVD is his Atmosphere of Landscape (www.apvfilms.com), in which Fred paints en plein air in Cornwall, looking towards St Michael’s Mount. He starts off by using a board with a red ground (unusual in itself), very large brushes and bucket-loads of enthusiasm – to watch this painting develop from what appears to be almost random bushstrokes (although we know they aren’t) to adding the final highlights, is truly awe-inspiring for any artist.

Alan Bickley, by email