I studied art and graphic design at the Cleveland College of Art & Design, Middlesbrough, North East England and also at the Julian Ashton Art School, Sydney, Australia.

 

Style and influence 

 

The greatest influences on my art are JMW Turner, especially his colour beginnings,  I also greatly admire the work of David Hockney.

 

I love the immediacy of watercolour and the effects it can give; even an accident can lead to a new discovery and a pleasing effect. I complete very rapid colour studies with broad washes and I use toned paper and gouache for more detailed work. Landscape is my favourite subject but I am also interested in architecture, urban sketching and groups of people or portraits. I also like to use acrylics and oil paints for larger detailed works.

 

Materials

 

I always use Windsor & Newton  watercolours and occasionally gouache on Arches watercolour paper. I do experiment with different kinds of paper however and will often use grey, brown, cream and black toned surfaces from a variety of manufactures. I add a little  gum arabic to the water to add a level of translucency.

 

I have a wide range of sketch books again with a variety of paper tones. Sometimes I will buy loose sheets of paper and cut them up to make my own sketch pad. I currently favour Strathmore sketch books and use the white, cream, grey and tan versions of their range. I have also used Stillman & Birn,Windsor & Newton and Daler Rowney sketch books at various times.

 

Contact me

 

If you wish to contact me about specific paintings or sketches please go to the contact section of this website. I would be happy to discuss any requirements you may have, any sketches seen here can be worked up in to larger finished paintings and adapted to requirements.

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I can be also be followed via my Flickr photo stream which is updated weekly with sketches.

 

Keith R Maynard