Ian Sidaway RI
Artworks
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Statement
I work in a range of different materials but constantly return to watercolour. I use traditional transparent watercolour techniques, with paint being applied using a wide range of tools other than brushes. Current concerns and subject matter deal with the landscape both in the UK and abroad. Drawings and paintings are made on location together with photographs and written notes. Paintings are completed in the studio. Strong composition, design and solid draughtsmanship together with the simple pleasure of exploiting and using the materials are my constant concerns. My intentions are not to create a photographic representation but a synthesis of things seen, something that hints at ‘sense of place’.
Bio
I was born in 1951 into a mining and clayworking community near Tamworth Staffordshire. After completing a foundation course at Nuneaton school of art I went on to study graphic design at Twickenham college of technology. After working for a brief spell as a designer I began to concentrate on painting in the early 1970s. For several years I worked as a builder, carpenter and gardener to supplement income. I exhibited widely at Federation of British artists open exhibitions, the Royal Academy summer exhibition, Agnews gallery and various other galleries in London, Brighton and the USA. Through the 1980s I concentrated on commissioned portrait work. The 1990s bought another change in direction with book illustrations on various subjects including travel, food and gardening. I then began to illustrate practical art books for various authors before beginning to author my own books. I have been a regular contributor to various art part works and practical art magazines. I have also led painting courses in Tuscany and Venice. In 2008 I decided to do less publishing work and concentrate on producing works to exhibit. In 2010 I was elected a member of the Royal Institute of painters in watercolour.