Rural Essex Landscape Exhibition – Thursday 25th to Sunday 28th July 2024
Ahead of our much-anticipated rural Essex landscape exhibition opening in just a couple of weeks, I had the pleasure of sitting down with artist Colin to delve into a wide-ranging discussion about all things art. We explored his inspirations, creative process, and the themes that permeate his work. I hope you thoroughly enjoy our insightful and engaging “In Conversation.”
Can you walk me through your typical creative process from conception to completion?
Most of my inspiration comes when I’m walking in the countryside. This can be around my home village of Galleywood or on my travels in the UK and abroad. My passion is painting plein-air at the location. If this is not possible, then I make pencil or colour watercolour pencil sketches that I can take back to the studio as reference when I paint a full-blown watercolour.
How do you overcome creative blocks or challenges during your process?
I rarely have creative blocks. I see so many subjects when out and about that inspire me, I never find the time to paint them all.
Are there any rituals or habits you have while working on your art?
Coffee and chocolate biscuits are a must. When I’m out painting, I always take a flask of coffee.
How do you decide when a piece of art is finished?
This is a difficult one. When painting plein-air, time or weather normally decides when I’m coming to the end of a piece of work. In the studio, it is more difficult. You have too much time, and it never rains in the studio.
How has your creative process evolved over the years?
My style has changed. Working plein-air and demonstrating to groups and societies has helped loosen my style. In a good way.
What part of the creative process do you find most satisfying?
I endeavour to capture the light and feeling of the day when I paint, so it’s those last finishing shadows and small touches that I look forward to the most.
How do you balance planning and spontaneity in creating your art?
I am a spontaneous painter. Once I find a subject, I can’t wait to start painting, so the planning stage is very short, just minutes.
How do you manage the practical aspects of art making, like storage and studio space?
My studio is only small, so the paintings that don’t sell are put in racks. My materials are stored where I leave them, so a good tidy-up is required quite often.
Can you explain your research process when starting a new piece?
I use Google to view possible subjects before I travel. The only research I do is when I’m writing articles for magazines or demonstrating and need some knowledge of the subject history.
How do you incorporate feedback into your creative process?
Because I post on all the internet platforms and demonstrate on my YouTube channel, I receive lots of comments. I use those to improve where appropriate.
Who or what are your biggest artistic influences?
The late James Fletcher-Watson and John Tookey are two of my favourite watercolourists. They both paint using minimal brush strokes, and that is my aim too.
How do you find inspiration when it seems to elude you?
This is normally not a problem for me. There is a subject around every corner if you look for it.
Can you describe a moment of inspiration that led to a breakthrough in your work?
I always helped to paint the backdrops for the end-of-year production at my secondary school. The art teacher was trying to paint a water fountain one year. She said that it was not looking good and asked if I could improve it while she had a break. “Wow!” were her first words when she returned. “You have made a big improvement, well done Colin!” From that day on, I never stopped painting.
Could you explain the concept behind one of your most recent works?
The concept behind most of my works is to capture light on a scene. That is what I hope comes through in my exhibition here.
How do you choose the materials you use for your pieces?
I use watercolour for 95% of my work, mainly because you need very few materials when travelling, it dries quickly, and the finished painting can be rolled and posted to my many clients anywhere in the world.
Have you ever dramatically altered or discarded a piece of art you were unsatisfied with?
Yes, I have added figures or more tone, days and sometimes weeks later. I’m rarely completely satisfied with my work, but that is what keeps me painting.
What’s the most unique technique you’ve employed in your work?
It’s not unique to me, but I use no or very little drawing before I start painting.
What next after this exhibition?
I’m travelling to Hereford and then on to Cornwall to capture whatever subjects reveal themselves.
I hope you enjoyed our insightful and engaging conversation with Colin Steed. His thoughts and experiences provided valuable perspectives on the topics we discussed. Until next time, stay curious and continue to explore new ideas…