Amanda Hughes
Do you concentrate on one medium, or do you work in several?
I began with inexpensive acrylic paints and then watercolour with ink. I went on happily experimenting with wax, oil pastels, oil paints and digital art. Why watercolour? I love the lightness, the intensity, the petticoat layers and the accidents. I love to show how impacting they can be in larger works.
Tell me about your workspace.
I love where I paint my workspace looks onto the arable fields that surround us. In late Spring skylarks sing and all manner of birds, and other animals surround us. The landscape and colours change with crop cycles. It is a self-build barn conversion built and designed by me and my husband with light, views and my painting needs in mind.
What inspires you?
It doesn’t matter whether I show my paintings together in a 3m gazebo or in a gallery mixed in with other’s work, it has to curate well. I don’t research or labour the process I let the works I have done recently inform the next. I study my own paintings and think mmm why don’t I try this next, just loose ideas and colour desires. I also like balance between the works and I do like to return to favourite motifs but offer a new twist. This way of working has helped me develop a strong signature.
Themes?
Well being here at home with the birds, agricultural colours, flowers and leaves and throw backs to Japan where i first began taking painting seriously.
Do you have a favourite piece in your Little Gallery exhibition?
A DAY TRIP TO KEUKENOF GARDENS because it began with an accidental run of paint. This event opened the door to stem drops and tulips.. it was never going to be a floral painting in the first place. I love simplicity and use of negative space, it a calming painting and unashamedly pretty.
How did you start doing what you do?
Gosh big question… when I was 15 years old I fantasised about living by the sea painting and life as an artist a life through the lens of an American film I had seen. I have exhibited on and off throughout my life it is now in my 50s I can give it the time and financial commitment my work deserves.
Do you work on your creative business full time, or do you have another job as well?
I am a painter primarily, I have never felt this free to do it, I am blessed and now have few distractions.
If you have spare time, what do you do with it?
I love to be outside, I like food, cooking eating out and travelling I like a daily walk and even better if it is by the sea!
What’s next for you?
I have 11 shows in 2025 and I will be painting alongside these and doing what I love to do.
