Artists & Illustrators — June 2017

(Nandana) #1
82 Artists & Illustrators

in the field to readjust a shape or highlight. It takes
years of studying a subject to master its every move,
so make full use of technology.

Are there any paintbrushes you would recommend for
painting wildlife?
I find the key to my style is experimenting with
different techniques, which often means I don’t
use a paintbrush at all. With oil colour I have used
everything, including earbuds, fingers and even credit
cards to apply the paint.

How do you incorporate vivid colour?
I always refer to the colour wheel. By using contrasting
colours you can create fantastic vividness that is
already present in nature. The blue and orange of a
kingfisher is a prime example of this, and that’s why
they feature a lot in my work. Push the boundaries with
your palette and look for vividness in your subject.

How can I capture animals en plein air without scaring
them away?
Use your camera. The photograph doesn’t have to be
amazing. I regularly use my phone, but for flighty
animals it is crucial to establish a good impression of

the subject’s shape and form. Try to use the image
straight away, then and there, in the field. Your mind
will still be fresh with the sighting and the fact you are
in the animal’s environment will add to the image.

How important is the background to creating an
expressive image?
The background can bring an image alive and I try
to be as adventurous as possible. I often choose
contrasting colours and use bold brushstrokes to
frame my subject and instil a sense of movement.
It can be a great space to experiment and create an
intriguing context for the animals you are portraying.

I see a lot of your work is on the larger scale, is there
a reason for this?
I love working on large canvases and would work
lifesize if I could. I find it very important not to constrain
an image by canvas size and the more space you have
the more you can let the subject stretch out. I am
working on an oil of two lifesize rutting stags. The
energy within the image is massively increased by the
freedom of movement I have within the canvas.
Find out more about Freddy and his work at
http://www.freddypaske.com

ABOVE Usherette,
watercolour and pastel,
20x30cm

THE ERASER IS AN IMPORTANT MARK-MAKER. STRIP BACK A DRAWING TO
ADD TO THE ILLUSION OF MOVEMENT AND SIMPLIFY SUBJECT MATTER

80 Your Questions.indd 82 10/04/2017 12:28

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