1
REMEMBER YOUR ROOTS
“After two years in the army,
I knew I wanted to become a painter.
I had done some small illustrations
of fellow soldiers so I took those to
the art school and they let me in on
that basis. It’s great to keep hold of
your old work, because you never
know when it might come in handy
or inspire you.”2
BEAT WHITE SPACE
“I always begin a watercolour by
applying a wash of Burnt Sienna or
Raw Umber. From here you can build
your composition by making a few
sketches, before painting on an
outline and building with colour.
Before you know it, you’re away.”3
EYE UP DETAILS
“When seeking a subject, look
out for small features which attract
your eye and they can become the
subtle focus of an intriguing piece of
artwork. I once painted a house in
Pimlico because I liked the unusual
blue-and-white striped blinds. They
created a wonderful but subtle focus
which brought the piece together.”4
CHANGE IT UP
“I most often work from
sketches and photos but some
of my favourite pieces have been
done en plein air. One of the first oil
paintings I ever did was on the
Thames Embankment, looking out
over Battersea Bridge. I was sitting
there with two other artists and we
were all painting the same subject
but doing it completely differently.”5
ENJOY THE PROCESS
“The things that challenge you
outside the studio are what make it
so exciting. The light and tone are
constantly changing. Unfortunately,
it can be terribly cold. One should
always paint where you’re most
comfortable doing it, and I don’t just
mean physically comfortable I mean
mentally and visually comfortable too.
Whatever you find is the easiest way
to do it for you, do it like that.”
John’s latest exhibition runs from
11-25 April at Osborne Studio Gallery,
London SW1. http://www.osg.uk.comABOVE John Standing, Pimlico House,
oil on canvas, 58x51cmTHINGS I’VE
LEARNED:
SIR JOHN
STANDING
The British actor reflects on
his sideline career in art.
Interview: RACHAEL FUNNELL
I always begin a
watercolour with a
wash of Burnt Sienna
or Raw Umber