Interview with Paul Lovering
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Paul lives in Edinburgh Scotland, loves the Arts , started to paint watercolor 5 years ago after a absence of 35 years having preformed above average at school level. He was denied the opportunity to go to Art school way back in the early seventies , due to cost and his parents seeing that Art would not be a proper job ,but after a illness fibro myalgia recently made me housebound for a year, he decides to self teach himself with watercolors after finding the old magic of sketching had not deserted him.
Hi Paul, today you selected for MoW 6 of your artworks inspired by music. Can you tell MoW why you chose those music artists ? What was the music behind the artworks ? What inspired you to create them ?
All of the music artists I have selected are a bookmark in my life !
The Beatles were played non stop in the sixties in our house , ( I am such a huge fan of these lads ) but John Winston Lennon had a edge to him , his character and thought provoking songs were very very appealing , and although the break up of the Beatles was the end of the world in my early teens , John stepped up to another level .... " Imagine " was the anthem that I played non stop while painting my first ever portrait of him back in 2006 .
I love the verve and energy to The Boss the legendary American rocker , the meaningful visions that come to mind while listening to his lyrics sooooooooooooooooooooo inspire .... Many many great songs are his signature , but "Shackled and Drawn " was my choice to listen too while painting Bruce's portrait ... A lot of luck happened in this portrait , so I am pleased with the result, and hope you are .
This is a recent watercolour of the astonishing talented singer songwriter , his place in the history of Rock influenced many generations , I have painted Bob many times , but this portrait took me longer ( I got to a point of not wanting to ruin this while creating ) usually I am fearless and not precious with my arts , but to my surprise when the title song finished and I placed my watercolour brush down .... Bob Rocks , and after many many years waiting to see this legend , I saw him in concert a few years ago in Edinburgh .
The founder member of Pink Floyd , this title track song is so haunting and fitting for this enigmatic singer songwriter ..... This is a great seller for me , and I was so happy to create this portrait of Syd the English icon , while feeling very nationalistic one summers day with a glass in my hand .
Well the breathtaking Jagger and the Rolling Stones ... My all time fave song by the Stones , the story in the song , Vietnam , that whole early seventies , just inspires me to the Max , Mick is always great to draw and add watercolour , his rock filled character face navigates my brushes .I hope these guys go on forever , there all great to paint , but I guess I am pleased with this portrait most of all of the lads .
Why is music important to you and your art?
Music is important to all, a bookmark on our lives, an amazing energy resonates to old to young .... Music is for all ...... Music plays a massive part in my choice of portraits .
If you had to choose between the artworks presented today, which of your artwork would be your favorite ? And why ?
Well I guess it would have to be " Just Like A Woman " Dylan , just like a lot of other artists , I am not found of my arts , because I have only been painting for eight years ( I feel I still have not found what I looking for ) oils in large scale abstracts are my next chapter .. But this Bob Dylan will do for now ! If I could paint portraits every time like this , I would be so thrilled , the colours and layers in this work are special to me , just like Bob Dylan ... Who could not get inspired by his songs . When I heard " Just Like A Woman " for the first time I was just mesmerised and could not wait to buy this album ..... Painting Dylan is always so fulfilling , he is so so popular !... A true icon .
Can you tell MoW more about the techniques you used. How old is your technique? How did it start? How long does it take you to make an artwork?
My technique is the complete opposite to a trained artist in watercolour , I work from dark to light , I always start with the eyes , and if I achieve this then I carry on with my portrait. I add many layers and I'm never precious with my arts (my biggest gallery is my bin) but hey you got to take chances , some work some don't.
I was denied a chance to go to Art college in my early teens, my parents refused and said a proper job was required , so here we have it , I never touched a pencil again for thirty five years then aged 50yrs , I was struck down with a virus called Fibro Myalgia brought on by over training in a lifetime career in marathon running. I was housebound and physically wrecked for a full year , but above the shoulders was very positive. So seeking to do something I asked my wife to buy me some watercolours and pads etc... I look at my early attempts in watercolour and shudder, but we all start somewhere.
Some of my portraits take two to three days, but the normal is one day.
Do you have plans on creating new artworks insipired by music ?
Yes I do have plans in creating Music inspired arts ... A huge abstract Jimi Hendrix is on the go in my head and sketch , part of my new move forward with oils on canvas
Do you listen to music when you’re working ? If so, what kind of music ?
Yes I listen to every kind of music ... The Who, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan... I could go on forever .
What is the song you liked the most lately? The album ? What was the last gig you went to ?
I went to my computer to see the most listened song over the past few year , and to my amazement it was Paloma Faith "Picking Up The Pieces". I just love it and the video .
Last gig I went to, The Who in Glasgow. What an outstanding night! Roger and Pete were just amazing, all those classic hits which I grew up with, gave me one of the greatest concerts!
Are you a musician yourself ?
I am sadly not a musician, but would so love to play an instrument
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