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Judith Webb
Interview with the artist
Who or what has been the most influential factor in your development?
Raymond Klee. I met him in Pennsylvania USA. I brought several of his paintings which were absolutely dynamic, his use of bold colours were incredible.
The most stunning to me was of Trafalgar square and the statue of Eros. Vibrant dark red sky, muti coloured illuminated neon signs, all reflected onto wet pavements.
At a mutual friends dinner party, a guest asked Raymond if he was related to Paul Klee, his answer was very ambiguous, leaving everyone none the wiser
Update. this year
I was pleasantly surprised by a phone call out of the blue, it was none other than Raymond Klee. He had traced me through the internet and Minigallery. We spoke at length, and I was delighted to know although nearly 80 years old, he still continues to paint and has his own gallery in his home in Ireland.
I do hope that in the not to far distant future to visit Raymond, and feast my own eyes on his vibrant works again.
Did a particular person or event spark your interest in art?
My interest in art really began when I was living in Canada,
there the autumn or fall [as it is known] is a riot of colours. the contrast of dark green fir tree's with the rich vibrant Maples in yellows, gold's, and rich reds, so often found reflected in the many lakes found nestled in the hills.
When and where did you first exhibit your work?
My first exhibition was in Canada, I was invited to show some of my artwork at a small local venue.
It was very exciting to have both words of encouragement and constructive criticism from an established well known artist, who had been invited to the private viewing.
What is the first artwork you ever sold?
my first painting I sold was of a profile of young negro boy which I did on a green flocked paper, it gave a very dramatic effect.
When did you first start?
I have always as far back as I can remember drawn, or painted
As a child my sister and I were lucky to have an abundance of scrap white paper to use. and my father encouraged us, he was a good teacher.
Have you ever had a gap where you haven't done any work, what made you restart?
I spent some years in Canada but on returning to England. I did not paint again, for approx. 18 years.
It was a holiday to Sark in the Channel Isles, which sparked my desire to paint again. We were stayed at a hotel run by Mrs Alice de Carteret.
When Alice saw my paintings and asked if she could have a one to put into a charity auction.
This auction is known as the Saints charity, designed to help towards medical expenses, not covered by the NHS
Mrs Alice de Carteret was later awarded the MBE from her Majesty the Queen, for her fund raising skills at the grand old age of 80. I like to think that my painting swelled the funds, and I was very proud to have been asked.
What is your favourite media and why?
I think I would have to say pastels. the subtle colours allow a painting to be build up in a manner of true pure colours as instead of mixing colours on a palette
What do you find most difficult?
Painting straight lines, not only does it require a steady hand but also good eyesight,
Unfortunately I suffer from glaucoma in both eyes, and so my vision is somewhat distorted.
How long does it usually take you to complete an artwork?
A lot of paintings require planning, sketching and varying stages of execution, so a lot depend on the intricacy of the painting that I am involved in.
Do you have a favourite amongst your own artwork?
Yes I do, well two really, because they are in different mediums, one is water colour and the other is oils
They remain my favourites because with the oil painting it took very many hours and many attempts to get the buildings right.
With my water-colour, this is what I call an unforgiving medium, one mistake and a whole painting is ruined.
What do you like best about being an artist?
A chance to leave my mark, and to be able to create on a canvas something which I hope will be admired long after my departure from this earth
As an artist I see creativity in everything, from rusty old doors to derelict barn's.
Spiky Frost covering blades of grass
Sunset on a deserted beach, the wet sands reflecting the setting sun.
Puddles on the roadside, reflecting sky or trees.
A field where a tractor has made ruts in the mud creates a pattern then there is with the standing water, again reflecting the light.
Are there other artists in your family?
Both my dad and my sister.who got to attend Art College.
My dad was a carpenter by trade, but was often called upon to design shop displays. My mum could draw simple things.
My grandmother was a florist by trade, she also embroidered some beautiful pieces of work, which have since become family heirlooms
If you could pick just three colours to work with what would they be?
If I had just three colours? Well I have thought about this a lot, and my answer has to be Payne's grey, which is almost black. White, and then Raw Umber.
With these colours, black and white the painting could be very dramatic, or by mixing them, varying degrees of shades of grey. from dark to light.
With the raw umber, a Sepias affect could be achieved just by adding the white.
They are simple colours and very basic, but their use can be very effective non the less.
What is the best thing somebody could say about your art?
I would like to buy it.
What is the worst thing somebody could say about your art?
To have a critique look at your work and say it has no value, would be devasting
and that I was wasting my time, and I had no talent.
Different people perceive art differently, and there are trends in what is in their view acceptable, but we are all creative people.
Do you display your own art at home?
We do have quite a large area of plain coloured walls, so yes I do have a few of my paintings hanging up.
Do you find art relaxing?
Yes, I do, I find painting very rewarding when it goes well.
But I admit its also very traumatic when it goes wrong.
I get very engrossed in painting and if I am away from my paints, I am still thinking, ideas, techniques to try.
I love it.
I miss not doing it.
And I would hate the thought of not being able to do it anymore.
But I do know, I will always find a way to express myself, perhaps through music.
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