Guest Artist : Rachel Sudworth

The Guest Artist section is a place for artists to talk about their work, techniques and materials. I am sure that one artist explaining how they solved a problem will help other artists and I hope that a community evolves where artists will assist each other with their artistic dilemmas, share ideas and technical information as well as make connections and give each other friendly support.

To join the conversation please add your comment below. It will be great to have some interaction!

Here today to share her art with us is Rachel Sudworth who paints in Herefordshire, UK. Thanks Rachel!

JA: Please tell us a little about yourself.

RS: I am a painter, inspired by natural forms, landscape and found objects. I love the outdoors, long walks and British weather! My work always has its roots in nature and organic forms in some way, either a place or area I feel inspired by, or in a more abstract way, as a collection of remembered experiences and visual cues in the form of collected objects. I have always drawn and painted and was lucky to be encouraged to follow my creativity from an early age. I studied Printed Textiles at Loughborough University School of Art and Design and have that fascination with colour and texture that textile people always have. I worked as a designer for 8 years until relocation gave me the opportunity to paint full time again.

old print tray with found objects

JA: What materials and techniques did you use in making the art work you are showing here?

RS: Most of my recent paintings are mixed media, in the sense that I use whatever material I think will make the marks or texture I want to create. I use oils, inks, oilbars, charcoal, household paint… Often, mixing these will create surprising and interesting results. For this set of paintings I experimented with pouring thinned-down radiator paint. I liked the idea that I didn’t have total control and the marks made were organic in the sense that they formed themselves to a certain extent.

poured paint 1

poured paint 2

I then built up layers, sometimes painting wet in wet, sometimes allowing the paint to dry. The paintings were also left in a few rain showers. I’ve done this quite a lot, and sometimes get a wonderful softness not possible in any other way. It’s this washing off and layering process that creates delicate layer and depth.

initial layers

JA: What challenges (if any) did you face in making this work and can you give other artists any tips for solving similar problems?

RS: I don’t really think of things in terms of problems, if you view every accident as a learning process you find out much more than if you were to be very controlled about it! Something as simple as dipping your paintbrush in the wrong pot can create marks or texture you wouldn’t have ever thought of! You can use these accidents, and build on them, introducing the new techniques into your work.

JA: Please tell us something about the idea behind the work you are showing here.

RS: I started very simply, with a set of photographs of branches I had taken in our garden. I always work on paper to start with, making quick experimental sketches. For this work I used the photos as a starting point, but abstracted and simplified shapes, used mark making and drawing to get the right composition and balance of colour.

branches sketches 1

branches sketches 1

JA: How does this work relate to your artistic practice, how you approach art over-all?

RS: My work is an ongoing process, though often I explore an idea or theme to build a body of work. I experiment constantly and make sure I get lots of lovely inspiring walks. I visit galleries, both large and small, and find that exhibiting with other artists of all disciplines is very important to keep creative.

JA: Do you have any art advice you would like to share?

RS: The way you paint, draw or create is like handwriting, it is unique to you. There is no right or wrong. Find your own way and don’t be scared to make mistakes and try new things.

JA: What is your favourite art material?

RS: It’s a tie between Dr Martin’s inks, the colours are fabulous, and W&N oilbars, they are so versatile.

www.rachelsudworth.co.uk
The sketchbook pages there show what I have been inspired by lately.
I also have a facebook page- Rachel Sudworth artist, and tweet occasionally!

Through the Branches 1-4