I’m privileged to be able to share with you a short interview with artist Nerine Tassie, winner of the third heat of Landscape Artist of the Year 2015. She has a unique magical style which has inspired me to experiment with different types of paints and techniques – find out more about her below.
1. How did you get started?
From a young age I had always enjoyed drawing and creating art. After secondary school I trained at Edinburgh College of Art as a fine artist and have been painting ever since!
I love the process of creating a painting from planning the composition to creating the piece. There’s something really enjoyable about being able to change a blank canvas into a rich object.
2. What are your favourite subjects to paint and why?
My favourite subjects to paint are seascapes and woodlands.
I really enjoy the changeable quality within these natural spaces in terms of light, colour and texture and I try to create the atmosphere of place when studying these subjects.
3. How did you come up with this style, did you go through many different styles and techniques before you ‘found’ your current style?
I’ve always enjoyed experimenting with materials to create different experiences within my work but my style of working is constantly evolving. At the moment I’m experimenting with the editing process of the composition and looking at different ways of framing the composition within the canvas.
4. If someone was starting new – what tips would you give them to help them be successful?
I’d just say to anyone who was interested in painting to give it a go. The more you practise and paint the more confident you’ll become! Joining an art class or college group can also help in gaining painting experience. Working along side other artists is a really great way to expand your subject knowledge and develop your practice.
5. What’s the best way for people to contact you?
The best way for people to contact me is to email me through my website www.nerinetassie.com
Conclusion
Some great words of advice here from Nerine Tassie. I admire the fact that she is still evolving her style and likes to experiment with different materials, texture, colour and composition within the canvas.
Just give it a go and that’s a motto I’m personally taking to heart. I’ve always painted what I see, but I want to expand on that and paint what I can see and what I can’t see. Use my experience through my other senses to add to the picture; what I feel, hear, touch and even smell. Easier said than done, but it’s a challenge I savour.
Thanks to Nerine Tassie for taking the time to answer my questions, she has a busy schedule and is getting ready to appear again on Landscape Artist of the Year – I wish her the best of luck!
