Andrew Spriggs in his studio
When did you start your creative practice and why?
I retired a few months ago and decided to get back into my art.
How would you describe your artistic style to someone unfamiliar with your work?
As realistic as it is possible for me to be.
What themes or ideas do you find yourself returning to most often?
Living in a lovely part of the world, and being able to visit other locations, I like to try to reflect how I feel about where I am in the world.
What is your creative process from idea to finished piece is it always the same?
It’s almost always the same. I take a old large print, perhaps bought from a charity shop,
which I clean up and cover it in white emulsion paint. The blank canvas helps me to visualise how I want things to look.
Is there a particular piece of yours that feels especially meaningful? Why?
I think any picture that I make of the hillside opposite where I live is interesting. I also like the distances I can see when visiting France.
What do you find challenging as an artist, and how do you overcome these challenges?
Coming to a point where I have to stop and think of how to finish a picture. Sometimes it
takes ages to restart, I tend to overthink things.
Do you ever have creative blocks, how do you keep motivated?
Fallow periods are quite hard, but these have become less of problem since retirement.
There is more time to create art.
How does your immediate environment or location play in your work?
A great deal. I have only to walk out of door, in a minute I can be looking at an inspiring
scene.
Who are the artists (past or present) who have strongly influenced you?
I have always liked Cezanne in general, also such British artists such as Paul Nash or Eric
Ravilious. Bob Ross was also someone who recently gave me inspiration and confidence.
How has your style or perspective evolved over time?
I think my art has become more “realistic” over time. An art tutor once told me that “you don’t have the experience yet”. He was right, but I think I do now.
What tools, materials, or techniques are essential to your practice? Is there a colour you just couldnot do without?
I generally use acrylics, which are so versatile. My paints and tools are generic and basic.
Cerulean blue, I can’t manage without it.
How do you balance artistic expression with practical concerns like income or marketing, social media?
I am more than happy to express myself, but I think I have always been wary of whether my work is marketable. I do use Facebook to show what I can do.
If you could give the younger you advice what would it be?
Keep doing what you do, you are better than people will tell you.
Have you got a project / award/ residency/ or idea are you excited to share with us?
I haven’t had any of these, as such. I show my work at the Belper Arts Trail annually.
If your work could evoke one feeling or reaction in viewers, what would it be?
Look around! There’s so much to see and so little time.
What is your website and how do we find you on social media?
I don’t have a website, but I am on Facebook as Andrew Spriggs, also Andrew Spriggs –
Graphic Artist.
