Paul Beckingham
Polperro Harbour, Oil on aluminum composite panel
What are your earliest memories of being artistic? I loved art in school as a kid. I used to draw birds and trees from around the village. I took a few classes at the MFA as an adult, but nothing really serious until about two years ago.
When did art become a pursuit? This really only happened almost two years ago. I wanted to see if I still enjoyed it, and I did. Since then I’ve been learning all I can.
Are you self-taught or formally educated in visual art? I’m partially self-taught, with no formal visual art education. I have taken some intensive classes recently, I’ve studied with Mark Carder, and more recently I’m being coached as a student of Stefan Baumann.
How did you first become involved with CAA? I looked around the local area for active groups that held shows.
Water Pump, oil on aluminum composite panel
In what other ways are you involved in the local art community? I belong to local art organizations, and participate in local shows. I’m an active member of several painting groups.
What role do you think the artist plays in society? I think it’s a very varied role. It ranges from me just keeping myself busy and creative, all the way up to a form of journalism.
What medium do you currently work in and how did you choose this medium? I work in oils, because I like the vivid color capabilities, enormous value range, and the fine control I have over edges. I like oil paint that dries slowly, it opens up many possibilities.
What is your creative process? Where are you finding ideas for your art these days? I like recreating scenes in old photographs, especially old family photos. Mostly I am now painting from life, often still life. This process is to take a subject and through lighting, try to make it come alive. I like to incorporate photorealistic elements.
How do you choose your subject matter? Is there a reoccurring theme that carries throughout your work? I am interested in the idea of painting something mundane, but in interesting light. Everyday stuff.
Flower Pot, oil on aluminum composite panel
In your opinion, what’s your best/favorite piece you’ve made? I painted a scene from my Grandfather’s garden, a place where I would play as a young boy. It’s a water pump and gardening equipment, but it’s very familiar to members of the family, so it’s more about the associated memories than the details.
What is one of your artistic goals? One goal is to spend more time painting, and another is to spend a little less time on each painting. It’s so easy get wrapped up in too many details, and spend too much time on a single work.
What’s your favorite place to see art? It has to be the MFA in Boston, but I am also enjoying the CAA exhibitions, it introduces me to work and artists I’ve never seen.
What living artists are you inspired by? Mark Carder, Stefan Baumann, David Smith, Renato Muccillo.
Do you own any art by other artists? I do. I get them through art exchange with, or purchases from, fellow artists.
See more Paul!
Website: paulbeckingham.com
Instagram: paul.beckingham