Clifford How
“My practice as an artist began around 19 years ago when I started simply drawing. The simple line drawing I was engaged in regularly, became a solid foundation in understanding and translating form later on.
My first introduction to colour was pastel and this medium was my preferred avenue for many years. I remember copying images from books with usually disappointing results, but again, I look back as see this period as a very important learning process.
Eventually I tried oils, and this change of medium bought about a change of style.
I had taken the advice of some of the old master I admire, and started painting from life.
This decision to paint Plein Air rapidly changed my colour sensibility and I noticed my works were quickly being injected with life. I feel Plein Air painting bombards the senses, and what is “felt”, is somehow incorporated into the studio works.
Today, I still regularly paint small studies on location and use them as reference for my studio works. All my works, (both Plein Air and Studio), are executed with painting knives. Working with knives allows me to paint Alla Prima, building a heavy texture in one application and also to push subtle gradations of colour together whilst the paint is still wet and active.
I’m continually moved by Tasmanias remote elevated country and this drives most of my work. I even look to the more mundane rural scenes located near my studio when the “atmosphere” is right.
My goal as an artist is to continue improving, not only from the technical point of mark making, but also from a visual point of view. The ability to see and translate with more clarity and simplicity
I’ve been privileged enough to have received numerous awards including being a finalist in the Glover Prize in Tasmania and the Paddington Art Prize in Sydney.
I’m currently represented by Handmark Gallery, Hobart and Arthouse Gallery, Sydney.
My studio is located in my home town of Launceston, Tasmania”.
