| |
|
|
EXPOSURE
Continuing our series featuring local artists, this issue we chat to Bryan Shambler of Ogmore-by-Sea who tells us about his life and love of painting.
What’s your background?
My family moved to Bridgend from England during the Second World War when I was nine years old. I attended Bridgend Grammar School for Boys where I passed the School Certificates in all subjects including art.
After leaving school I went into industry as a junior chemist with BP and achieved an honours degree in chemistry at Imperial College, London. Shortly afterwards I was called up for National Service where I was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the RAF. Later I was posted with BP to Hull where I worked on chemical plants as a superintendent for two years.
My wife and I moved to Wales when received a promotion to Margam. I then went to Barry Plastics and on to Baglan Bay PVC Plant. Following that I went to the Persian Gulf where I worked on the gas plants.
At 45 I left BP to become a freelance artist and I attained my PGCE in order to become a chemistry teacher, eventually becoming Head of Chemistry at Pencoed Comprehensive and retiring from there at aged 60 in 1994.
Where did art come in?
At Grammar School I became quite proficient in drawing and pastels. At 29 I went to oil painting classes to see what is was like where I fell in love with the smell of oils and was able to sell my first efforts. Artists only painted in oils at that time. Later watercolours came into fashion, and pastels and drawing and I could do them all.
During my working career I have drawn and painted whenever possible. From 1981 to 2000 I taught evening classes in drawing and watercolours at Brynteg Comprehensive.
During the latter years, I have demonstrated at Art Societies and held weekend workshops and critique sessions for the South Wales Art Society.
I love drawing and painting outdoors and in all weathers. At present, I mainly paint in watercolours. I am very disciplined in my work and I study my subject well, prior to committing pencil to paper. I finger draw what I am about to paint to aid the composition. I divide my paper into thirds in order to place the focal point of the picture. Compsition and the ability to draw well are essential for good watercolours in particular.
I draw quickly and tend to use a restricted palette of six or seven colours to acheive the effect I want but I think I could experiment a little with some more colour combinations.
What advice would you give to potential artists?
The hardest part of any work is starting. When you have a white sheet of paper in front of you, get over it, push the butterflies to one side and make the first marks with care. Also I do not worry about what others think - I paint for pleasure!
What do you do with your work?
Over the years I have painted in all media. As a freeelancer, between 1979 and 1981, I produced pastel portraits. Later, it was drawing and watercolours. My work has shown all over the world and in south Wales, I exhibit at Nolton Art Gallery in Bridgend and usually I have an annual Christmas exhibition at Aroma Cafe in Bridgend. Postcards of my work have been popular for many years and have become collectors’ items.
Painting has been an important part of my life. Even at my present age, the desire to paint never goes away. To paint outside is wonderful, whatever the weather. Fortunately for me, I do not rely on painting as my living, it is pure painting pleasure. Many people have looked over my shoulder and asked, “isn’t painting relaxing?” I always reply “it’s exhausting!” Every move has to be considered, the pencils and brushes don’t pick themselves up.
When I am painting, I move into another world of complete 100% concentration away from it all. It’s my therapy and, like most of the best things in life, it’s free.
Where are your favourite places to paint?
Seascapes of Ogmore-by-Sea and Southerndown Bay, the Pond at St Brides, the Church at Llantwit Major, Castell Coch, Cardiff to name but a few. When in Spain, I paint close to where we stay. Beautiful landscapes with azure blue seas and sienna rocks... bliss.
Has anyone inspired you?
The brilliant watercolourist James Fletcher Watson. He was my mentor and my guide in my early days. I learned a lot from him, read all of his books and met him many times. He lived in the Cotswolds and held exhibitions at his house every year. His pictures were very expensive.
What do you do when you’re not painting?
I keep my brain going. I love languages. I could speak Arabic when I worked in the Persian Gulf. I passed A level Spanish in 2004 and got a B grade. I did GCSE French in 2005 and got A+, I did AS French in 2006.
Also I tutor A level chemistry and do light training at the gym twice a week. I’m no couch potato!
If you’d like to feature your own work or business in Exposure, please contact Jennifer at Vale Life.
0845 130 6452
or email jennifer@valelife.co.uk |
|
|
|
