We recently interviewed Worthing-based watercolour painter Pippa Crowter, who found her way back to art during lockdown. Read on to learn about what inspires her, how her passion started as a child, and her advice for artists who have lost their way.
Hi Pippa. Please can you tell us a little bit about what you do?
I paint in watercolour, I like concentrating on flora & fauna, but also like painting birds & animals. I love detail and attempt to capture, and do justice to the beauty that surrounds us in nature.
What are you currently working on?
I took a recent photo of Primroses on a late afternoon and am hoping to capture the hints of colours on the flowers and explore how the light changes each petal and leaf.
How did you first get into art?
I got into art as a child, but drawing materials were scant in our household. I grew up in a large house which my mother managed as short term lettings and would often eagerly await new boxes of laundry arriving, where inside each folded bed sheet there would be a card stiffener, which I’d use to attempt to draw like my heroes. My father after a while bought me a roll of drawing paper and I was allowed a small wall in one of the rooms which became my gallery. People staying began commenting on my work as they’d see it and I guess my confidence grew from there.
What made you want to start creating again after taking a break?
We had moved to Worthing in 2018 and after helping look after my two grandchildren Covid came along… I had a longing to get back into my Art after years of being completely dormant and lockdown provided that opportunity. I enjoy the peacefulness of painting in my garden summerhouse studio, especially at this time of year when everything begins to blossom and spring to life.
What’s the most challenging part of your work?
Every painting is a challenge to show the different characteristics and convey a sense of the subject. I take short breaks which I find helps get the headspace to figure out how to progress with a painting in sections. Honestly the biggest challenge I find is knowing when to stop, step away, and put down the paintbrush.
What’s your favourite part of what you do?
I love the very start of the drawing, the blank white paper, carefully making the first pencil outlines – it’s the most exciting and vital part of a painting for me – those first strokes.
What do you think of the Worthing creative scene?
I didn’t really know anyone in Worthing when we moved out here from Brighton to be honest, and I didn’t know much about its thriving creative scene either. I was introduced to other artists via meet up sessions held at Brunswick & Thorn, which I think I found out about from a local magazine that came through the letterbox. Tom from Worthing & Beyond actually popped up at one of the events to introduce us all to his platform, it’s so brilliant that there’s people who clearly have a passion for exposing and shining a light on Worthing’s creative scene! I’m looking forward to getting involved in more meet ups once lockdown eases and meeting more like minded people.
Do you have any advice for people who have lost their way creatively?
My advice is not to be too hard on yourself. Being an artist is not an easy option for anyone to pursue, it can be overwhelming when you see so many artists on Instagram etc jostling to get their work noticed. Every artist has their own fingerprint and unique way of creating so follow your true path. Take the time to do your work justice, and present it well. Remember all art is different but there will always be people who will love your work.