We are thrilled to welcome Adebanji Alade VPROI to the Expert Judges Panel for Jackson’s Painting Prize 2020. His commitment to and enthusiasm for painting can be seen in everything he does. We asked the artist, teacher and presenter about painting outdoors in London, mediums, tools, and of course, what he will be looking for in the entries submitted to the competition this year.
Above image: Waiting for Inspiration 2, 2019, Adebanji Alade, Oil on board, 15 x 20 cm
Adebanji Alade in his Studio
Clare: Where is your favourite place to paint en plein air in London? Where was the last place you painted outdoors?
Adebanji: My most favourite place to paint en plein air in London is Sloane Square, I love it, I can paint from any direction. The last place I painted outdoors was at Westfield Park in between Upcerne Road and Kings Road in the Chelsea.
After the Rain, London Streets, 2011
Adebanji Alade
Oil on Canvas, 76 x 61 cm
Clare: What is your favourite medium to work with? And what is your most important artists tool?
Adebanji: My most favourite medium to work with is graphite, just a simple pencil. It’s cheap yet so versatile. My most favourite artist tool is a ball point pen, without it I wouldn’t be the sketcher I am today.
Sketches on the Train 22.10.12, 2012
Adebanji Alade
Pen & Ink, 20 x 15
Clare: Can you tell us a bit about your upcoming book, The Addictive Sketcher?
Adebanji: This book The Addictive Sketcher is all about what got me into sketching, how it has affected my whole career as a painter and how it helps me to improve my paintings. I also share through intensive and expansive demonstrations how I go about various projects in various mediums and loads of tips for anyone looking to start sketching or improve their sketching.
Chris Eubank, 2016
Adebanji Alade
Oil on canvas, 99 x 99 cm
Clare: What will you be looking for in the entries submitted to the competition this year?
Adebanji: I would love to see creatives who can put a new spin on old and past ideas and narratives. I want someone to show me they’ve got something special by being original with boldness and pure artistic excellence in all aspects of their composition.
The Spark & Wonder, 2019
Adebanji Alade
Oil on board, 15 x 20 cm
Clare: How important do you think awards and competitions are for artists today?
Adebanji: Awards and competitions are so important for artists- actually this is what helped me personally catapult my career from obscurity to prominence way back in 2007. It gives the artist a clear cut recognition that they are someone to watch if they can excel above other creatives in competitions. There must be something special- it also gives the artist a level of confidence and self esteem which is the golden-pearl of success in any creative endeavour.
Morning Light, Ilfracombe, 2017
Adebanji Alade
Oil on canvas, 99 x 68 cm
Clare: Do you have any advice for artists out there thinking about entering Jackson’s Painting Prize this year?
Adebanji: What a great opportunity to showcase your talent and ability to the world. Lots of people will be looking and why not take it. I always believe you’ve got to be in it to win it! So waste no time, bring out your best work and believe!
Whistler Statue, 2009
Adebanji Alade
Graphite, 20 x 28 cm
Clare: What are you working on at the moment and where can we see more of your work online?
Adebanji: I am part of an exhibition with The Royal Institute of Oil Painters at The Mall Galleries from the 27th of November to the 8th of December. I also have a solo exhibition in 2020 at The Patchings Art Centre from Saturday 22 August to Sunday 4 October. This exhibition is linked to my new book with a book signing on the opening day Saturday 22 August, 2020.
Gracie, 2009
Adebanji Alade
Graphite, 28 x 20 cm
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