I am quite an energetic painter, I paint quickly and losely with large brushes to create a base. I focus on the whole area to achieve a harmony of colour and composition before I start to work into certain areas. This is why I love oil, along with a rigid surface to paint on. I can really manipulate both, putting paint on and taking it off at any stage throughout the whole process.

I like to leave an initial painting to dry and then re-work it with further washes, picking out certain strokes. I find that this adds another depth and translucency to the paint. It also helps to create the feeling of space and distance. Oil also gives the freedom to move the paint around as much as I like. I love the versatility of oil. I use the paint straight from the tube, as well as in very thin washes, which enables me to create a balance of colour that ties the whole picture together. This balance is important to me. I always want the painting to look natural. It is this balance, along with the light that helps to create a peaceful, tranquil look. It is the ability to describe the atmosphere in this manner that I wish to achieve. To me that is what provides an individuality to the painting.

Birmingham, England

Published by
Washington Green
since 2001

Preferred medium: Oil

Cocktails

“I don't paint a particular subject, I try to depict an atmosphere, which can be anything from relaxation, solitude, comfort or something that makes me feel at ease when I look at it.”

Contemporary Life