visual arts & contemporary crafts

casts while I am drawing, usually related to nature. I recently completed a sketchbook and included a listening list. Several weeks later I realised I had omitted the one I was listening to at the time of drawing ('Gone' by Michael Blencowe), yet it had a huge influence on my thinking!

Please tell us a little about the process involved in making your art?

I consider myself a 'collector' and I am drawing my way through some of the specimens and adding pieces where appropriate. It resembles a school nature table in my studio.

A recent study is a stag beetle found by my son. I began by making a series of two-minute sketches, challenging myself to establish the important features, followed by a few more detailed sketches until I felt comfortable with the scale and balance. This is part of a series of Nature Studies for my solo show with Pure Arts Group and I compose an arrangement using the sketches within a set format. Referring back to the specimen, I draw from top left to bottom right across the page, completing each pose before moving onto the next. Covering the blank areas with spare paper or a 'bridge' helps prevent smudging and minimises the oil marks from my hands.

I was keen to explore the Stag beetle in flight which involved the gentle teasing out of the wing cases. A very delicate operation using lots of pins. The drawing is built up slowly and gently using a variety of pencils and rubbers as mark-making tools, with fixative applied once I am happy with the depth of tone. The pencils are kept pin sharp with fine sandpaper and regular sharpening on my helix. Embossing adds another level to this series of drawings. I create a template using thin card and hand emboss into the paper surface.

Where are you finding ideas and inspiration for your work currently?

My garden and local walks provide endless inspiration. It’s a cliche but I now realise how little I have explored this area before the lockdowns. I am fascinated by the changing seasons, appreciating the Nature Diaries from artists such as Janet Marsh and Gordon Benningfield.

I have been exploring Rye Harbour Nature Reserve with the Insect Watch Group and won a bursary from the Society of Wildlife Artists to create a body of work from there over the summer. As part of this I am researching nature journaling, drawing in the field, and working to improve my natural history skills.

What advice would you give to those aspiring to make a living out of art?

Try to work out why you want to be an artist, what motivates you. Then research other artists who you feel may have the same motivation, they may be happy to share with you their tips for making a living. Many artists have a quiet income stream that is not immediately obvious and which enables them to thrive. There are many and varied opportunities in the art world, it’s not just about selling fine art through galleries but if that is your desire find yourself a business mentor like Pure Arts Group.

Visit www.pureartsgroup.co.uk to read interview in full, and www.louisacrispinart.co.uk.