When did Craig start his creative practice and why?
Craig has been developing his skills since graduating with a First Class BA (Hons) in Painting and Printing from Sheffield Art College. His paintings are now held in private collections throughout the UK and internationally, including France, Portugal and the USA. Craig has been a proud and active member of The Peak District Artisans for six years www.peakdistrictartisans.co.uk He was also a contestant several years ago in the Sky TV series of ‘Landscape Artist of the year’.
How would Craig describe his artistic style to someone unfamiliar with his work?
For Peak District artist Craig Longmuir, painting is about much more than capturing a view. It is about sharing the feelings that come with being outdoors in a beautiful place; the sense of freedom on a windswept edge, the calm found in a quiet valley, and the simple joy of spending time in nature. Craig paints directly from the landscape, working en plein air across the Peak District. Whether he is standing on a gritstone edge or looking across a limestone dale, his aim is not to create a photographic record.
Instead, he wants his paintings to remind people of how it feels to be there.
"I hope people can sense the enjoyment and excitement I felt while painting," says Craig. "If a painting brings someone a little happiness or reminds them of a place they love, then I've achieved something worthwhile."
What themes or ideas does he find himself returning to most often?
His work is inspired by the same landscapes that walkers, climbers, runners and outdoor enthusiasts treasure. Through paint, he shares not only what he sees, but also the positive impact these places have on his wellbeing. At its heart, his work is about celebrating the beauty of the Peak District and passing on some of the joy that being in these remarkable places brings to him.
What is his creative process from idea to finished piece is it always the same?
Craig prefers painting on large canvases because they allow him to work freely and expressively. He enjoys the balance between careful observation and instinctive mark-making. While he consciously considers composition, shape and colour, he also believes the most exciting passages of a painting often emerge naturally when he works
quickly and trusts his instincts.
"I think a painting is successful when there's a balance between conscious decisions and subconscious responses," he explains. "You plan some things, but you also have to allow space for surprises."
Although his style is loose and expressive, Craig's work is always rooted in direct observation. He spends hours looking, responding and engaging with the landscape before him. The result is an honest interpretation of a place rather than an exact copy of it.
How does Craigs immediate environment or location play in his work?
Painting outdoors presents its own challenges. Craig carries everything he needs in a 50-litre backpack and often walks considerable distances to reach the right location. Wind can be a constant battle, especially on the exposed edges of the Dark Peak. Over the years, he has developed practical solutions, including anchoring his easel with a bag filled with locally collected gritstone and, on particularly wild days, securing
everything with guide ropes.
If Craigs work could evoke one feeling or reaction in viewers, what would it be?
What remains unchanged is his belief that art should be accessible, uplifting and enjoyable. In a world that can often feel rushed and demanding, Craig hopes his paintings encourage people to slow down, appreciate the natural world and find a moment of peace.
What is your website and how do we find Craig on social media?
To view Craig's work, visit his website: Art Craig Longmuir. Original paintings are available for purchase, and outdoor oil painting workshops can be booked throughout the year. Craig can be contacted via email at craiglongmuir@icloud.com and
through Facebook and Instagram @artcraiglongmuir
Through every brushstroke, Craig Longmuir seeks to share the happiness, inspiration and sense of connection that he finds in the landscape, inviting others to experience the same joy for themselves.
