ARTIST PROFILE: CHRIS WELSH
The popular Guildford Arts Annual Summer Art Exhibition returns to the historic riverside Mill Studio, next to the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in the heart of the town this July. Throughout the week we’ve been chatting to featured artists whose work will be appearing at the exhibition; today’s spotlight shines on Chris Welsh…
Can you describe your creative process?
As a Still Life painter my first step is the arrangement of objects, single or in groups.Actors on a stage, standing alone or interacting.
Colour choice is important, using egg tempera involves arranging raw pigments around a large glass palette, and preparing the egg yolk to use as a vehicle.
I then follow the marks, a chance brushstroke here or happy accident there which will give me a clue about the mood or character of the final work.
I prefer to follow than to lead the process.
Importantly, knowing when to stop.
As Picasso pointed out “finishing off” a painting sometimes means delivering the coup de grace.
Has the pandemic changed anything about your creative process?
Oddly, painting was virtually out of question during the whole of the Covid-19 crisis.
In spring I was diagnosed with cataracts in both eyes, one more severe than the other, the following six months were occupied with tests, assessments, pre-op quarantines and surgery.
Happily the operations went very well I am now enjoying clear bright vision and have begun painting again.
What is the best thing about able to exhibit live again?
I have always been wary about looking at paintings on a computer or tv screen.
Scale ,colour, texture and fine detail are impossible to evaluate or appreciate.
For me the physical presence of an art work is key to the experience.
Live exhibitions also bring people together, to discuss and share their thoughts and opinions.
WHAT? GUILDFORD ARTS SUMMER EXHIBITION
WHERE? THE MILL STUDIO, YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE
WHEN? 10 – 22 JULY 2021 / MON-SAT 10AM – 4PM
Admission to Guildford Arts Summer Exhibition is free, but Covid-care procedures require a ticket, which is available in advance or on-line at the door from www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk