When did you start your creative practice and why?
I started painting when I was in primary school and have rarely stopped painting since then. My father who painted, realised my potential and guided me artistically through my younger years but this was mainly watercolours. I took up oil painting 35 years ago guided buy Liz Wood from patching art Centre. And now it’s the main stay of my personal artistic practice.
How would you describe your artistic style to someone unfamiliar with your work?
I would describe it as slightly loose and possibly impressionistic, with quick flippant brushmarks and speedy delivery of the final result.
What themes or ideas do you find yourself returning to most often?
Plein Air Landscape painting mainly in the Derbyshire Dales, but anywhere I can paint what I see in front of me, I also return quiet regularly to still life painting in oils.
What is your creative process from idea to finished piece is it always the same?
Generally, but some times I like to throw a curve ball in to try something different.
Is there a particular piece of yours that feels especially meaningful? Why?
Most of my personal work feels quite meaningful to me probably more so when its been a challenge to achieve it like painting in adverse weather conditions.
What do you find challenging as an artist, and how do you overcome these challenges?
I don’t find to much challenging artistically now, but possibility trying to overcome being able to exhibit more of my work.
Do you ever have creative blocks, how do you keep motivated?
Very occasionally, but generally not for long, with teaching art six classes I have to be on the ball for them so this doesn’t give move much chance to get creative blocks.
Does your immediate environment or location play a role in your work?
Yes very much so, living in the Derbyshire Dales it is my artistic playground.
Who are the artists (past or present) who have strongly influenced you?
I have a couple of mentors that are also good artist friends too, Carol Hill, and David Curtis. Liz Wood from Patching art centre was a huge influence on me. As far as artist that have interested me, Kurt Jackson, Alfred Sisley, as well as Stanley Spencer in my earlier years.
How has your style or perspective evolved over time?
Being influenced and mentored by the above and also painting out with some of these artist too quiet regularly have helped me become freer with my own work style.
What tools, materials, or techniques are essential to your practice? Is there a colour you just couldn't do without?
Rosemary brushes, and Wallace Seymour paints. Some of my favourite colours are Salford grey, and Venetian Rose Flesh, also Kings Blue, these are some of my favourite colours that I work with.
How do you balance artistic expression with practical concerns like income or marketing, social media?
Teaching my six watercolour and oil painting classes on a weekly basis. I also travel around the country doing demos and workshops for art groups, as well as writing for artist magazines. This keeps me and my wife afloat as far as income goes. I’m not that up on Social Media certainly not for selling.
If you could give the younger you advice what would it be?
Never give up, and never be afraid of what others think or say.
If your work could evoke one feeling or reaction in viewers, what would it be?
Possibility a feeling of space and movement
What is your website and how do we find you on social media?
My web site is www,richardhollandlandscapeartist.co.uk
I use Instagram with 1500 followers and I use Facebook just for my family and friends but I am not really big into social media.
