June Walsh
Interview
What is your background and training in the visual arts?
In l985 I began a part-time training in Fine Art (Painting) at the College of Art Southampton and in l99l achieved the College Diploma in Fine Art. I have been painting in oil on canvas until the present day. Whilst on holiday in Guernsey I became inspired by large rockscapes in the winter sunshine which illuminated the beautiful shapes and colours. This experience gave me an interest in other geological locations.
What is your background and training in the visual arts?
In l985 I began a part-time training in Fine Art (Painting) at the College of Art Southampton and in l99l achieved the College Diploma in Fine Art. I have been painting in oil on canvas until the present day. Whilst on holiday in Guernsey I became inspired by large rockscapes in the winter sunshine which illuminated the beautiful shapes and colours. This experience gave me an interest in other geological locations.
How do you approach the starting point for your paintings?
I collect specimens and natural material which reminds me of scenes I have experienced. I select a restricted palate of colours to create a mixture of tones which will unite together on the canvas and which can be replicated. The sites I visit are often tidal and time short and I take many photographs which I can study in detail and scale up by measurement onto my hand stretched canvas.
I collect specimens and natural material which reminds me of scenes I have experienced. I select a restricted palate of colours to create a mixture of tones which will unite together on the canvas and which can be replicated. The sites I visit are often tidal and time short and I take many photographs which I can study in detail and scale up by measurement onto my hand stretched canvas.
To what images do your present series of paintings relate?
I have recently been making a study of very much smaller sections of rock and of crystal. From these I will look to find tiny parts of a surface or a cross section, which will provide interesting pictures when enlarged. I spend a long time sorting out any difficulties which might arise in a painting.
I have recently been making a study of very much smaller sections of rock and of crystal. From these I will look to find tiny parts of a surface or a cross section, which will provide interesting pictures when enlarged. I spend a long time sorting out any difficulties which might arise in a painting.
What advantages have you gained from working in this way?
There is always knowledge to be gained by contemplation of the material for a painting. There is the pleasure of working with nature’s colours. It is also possible to acquire the skill of being able to assemble a set of work which will relate to each other in both colour, and also in style.
There is always knowledge to be gained by contemplation of the material for a painting. There is the pleasure of working with nature’s colours. It is also possible to acquire the skill of being able to assemble a set of work which will relate to each other in both colour, and also in style.
View more work on June's minisite
© 2D3D South Contemporary Art, 2018