This watercolour was painted as quickly as possible (between one and two hours) following a session spent sketching in a local wood. It is the atmosphere that I have tried to respond to rather than any detail. As a child I found woods wonderful but worrying environments – I still do. I believe it desirable that a painting is some form of personal and emotional response and not just a record of a scene. Colour, light and the type of marks made are amongst the many ways an artist has of showing emotion. Much use of pure black!
This painting was completed in my studio in acrylic, working from a photograph taken of my wife. Having spent many years encouraging my younger students to beware using pure black, I now find that I have discovered my tube of black paint!
Drawing has always been my greatest love as a visual artist. This large charcoal work was completed quickly on location to respond to that moment just before the morning sun breaks over the hill top. Because the sun has yet to create shadows, the landscape tends to be flattened and there exists a wonderful stillness.
This watercolour was painted rapidly (and before breakfast) on location. After a warm night, I tried to respond to the relative coolness of the early morning light touching a group of buildings some distance away.
Course dates
1 August - 8 August 2009
Mike Willdridge is a full-time artist having had a varied past that includes being a designer (graphic), soldier (infantry) and teacher (art).
He trained at Ravensbourne College of Art. For the past fifteen years he has run a variety of adult classes in both Kent and Devon where he teaches from his large and well-equipped studio. Since retiring from school-teaching, he spends significantly more time on his own work.
Mike works in a wide variety of media both ‘on location’ and in the studio. He tends to work in and teach a loose and free painting style. As a teacher he tries to encourage each student to develop his/her own style as he knows that to do so will, ultimately, prove more rewarding than simply copying from his work/demonstrations
For more information about Mike, visit his website at www.devonartcourses.co.uk
