Dynamic Seascape Paintings with Judith Yates

02/11/2020

Author: Judith Yates

About nine years ago I decided to make seascapes the main area of my work.

I have always felt drawn to the sea, so It made sense that my artistic practice should be dominated by the theme. I do believe that if you have such a dramatic response to a subject, it will provide your source of inspiration for many years.

Creating a huge body of work on a single theme has really helped my work, it meant I could learn a great deal about the subject and discover what I actually wanted to express in my work. I realised that I wanted to capture the raw experience of nature so that the viewer can feel the breeze, the energy of crashing surf, and that uplifting feeling of actually being there. To achieve that, I knew that a straight copy of a static photo would not be enough for me, consequently, I needed to try a different approach.

Once I started experimenting with a variety of techniques and looser methods of applying paint, I was inspired and excited by the results. I was fascinated by the underlying, half-exposed details showing through the surface of the painting. I enjoyed allowing unexpected things to happen within the work and discovered many intriguing effects and interesting textures. I use a loose fairly intuitive way of working, along with brisk lively marks, all pulled together with more disciplined brushwork, a mix of traditional and experimental.

Not long after my initial series of work, I was delighted to be asked to run workshops and demonstrations at several local art societies, I discovered that I really enjoyed teaching and began running friendly, lively Monday workshops on a regular basis from my studio in Coventry along with art holidays in France. I learned so much about the needs of artists and what they require from a workshop. I certainly learned as much from them as they did from me.

The Artist magazine contacted me back in 2018 asking to write an article on my seascapes, which can still be viewed over on Painters Online.

Painters online

Last year I was contacted by Search Press, asking if I would consider writing a practical art book describing my very personal approach to painting seascapes. Despite reservations, I said yes, an opportunity I couldn’t refuse! It has been a fascinating project, hard work, especially during the lockdown, but ultimately very rewarding. The process has made me push my techniques further and reassess my work. Along with step-by-step techniques and descriptions of my favourite methods, the book also contains 20 brand-new paintings and around 40 from my archive of seascapes. Including many detailed close-up shots of my work along with a series of style shots that were taken over a 3-day photoshoot. The publishers and my editor have really nurtured me throughout the process. You can see an interview with Search Press over on Youtube for a complete picture. Even though it's complete, it’s hard to believe that I have written a book, a marvellous experience!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPDTv9U4n4g&list=PLjxZIpamWyTMl0xk6sVHAjZpfr7144uZ8

I am now feeling enthused and plan to keep pushing my work further, working through new ideas and trying out new techniques, I suppose the drive to get better at painting keeps us artists going back for more.