Amanda Cooper is a UK based watercolour and pastel artist. As well as being inspired by the unmistakeable English countryside she is also known as a successful teacher of art and writer. We asked Amanda about her work in the week of her latest exhibition, a mixed media show at the Ballroom at Asthall Manor, once home of the Mitford Sisters.
Lisa: How did you go about learning how to paint?
Amanda: I have always drawn and painted since I was very small, it was just what I did. Many of my relations were painters! I also studied at Signorina Simi’s drawing school in Florence. After that I got married and had to make a living, so I have painted everything from childrens hairbrushes to panto scenery !
Lisa:What is your favourite medium to work with a why?
Amanda: Although I inherited my great grandfather’s pastels made by Sennelier in 1930 – I actually grew into the medium of watercolour because so many of my art group wanted to learn about it or take it on holiday with them. I decided I needed to address the subject. Since then I have rather fallen in love with it.
Lisa:Can you tell us about your group exhibition at Asthall Manor?
Amanda: Well it all started with the setting! Asthall Manor, near Burford, Oxfordshire, which is where the six Mitford girls grew up and the amazing ballroom is playing host to this unique mixed media exhibition. There are twenty five original watercolours from me(Amanda Cooper) several sculptures in bronze, bronze resin and wood from local sculptors Linda Baillie and Richard Fox. We are joined by an invited group of extremely talented artists, working in ceramic, metal, wire, wood, oil and acrylic. It is the variety of materials and subject matter that makes this exhibition so dynamic – but certainly, it is the setting that proves truly inspirational!
Lisa:Are there any fundamental rules for being a successful artist?
Amanda: Well, if I could answer that…..it always sounds very trite to say be true to yourself but it is very difficult to steer a straight course and not be over influenced by fashion or our celebrity driven society. Keep plugging away and find a gallery or exhibition that suits what you and only you do.
Lisa:You have recently written a book entitled ‘Sienna or Madder?’ – what is the book about?
Amanda: My book entitled Sienna or Madder is certainly a labour of love and a long standing family joke, but it is a light hearted look at the serious art of painting. More information here. £15 to readers of this blog! (incl p&p)
Lisa:Which artists inspire you?
Amanda: Um…my great, grandfather Henry Nedeham Browne(in the book!) and a variety inbetween from Corot, Seago, Sargent , Morandi up to the present day and my son George Butler.
Lisa:Do you have any particular creative ambitions for 2015?
Amanda: Yes, I am starting 2015 with a painting tour to Myanmar for the travel company Steppes ~East. After an exhibition and a book this year I am thinking of concentrating on a few open exhibitons in London, namely the New English Art Club,The Sunday Times Watercolour Competition and The Royal Watercolour Society(Bankside Galllery) and maybe the Pure Watercolour Society, Windrush, if any of them will have me! Plus my own art group continues come rain or shine.
Lisa:Where online or in the flesh can we view more of your work?
Amanda: www.amandacooper.co.uk – my website has a new page with some of the exhibition work on it.
