(“Parties, really”), during which time they share techniques, fi rm up plans and develop friendships. “When you are painting, you’re doing it on your own, lost in your own space and time,” he explains. “It’s a lovely way to spend your time but it’s actually quite lonely. Painters are not usually good mixers but fortunately the people in this group are quite sociable and we all get on great. Having those little dos has given everyone else the confi dence to get down and do it. We’re all inspiring each other to produce better.” Sandra agrees: “Knowing I am part of a group hasn’t
affected my approach, but it does place a certain responsibility on me to produce my best work so as to not let the side down. And working with artists who are also friends means there is no sense of competition, but a unanimous desire for success for all of us.”
So regardless of whether Art of the Real manages
to crack America or not, the group have relished the challenge of making things happen on their own terms. “One of the most exciting things to come out of the last year is realising what you are capable of if you just push yourself and go for it,” says Denis. “All my friends paint or design and we are always moaning about this or that not happening but nobody ever does anything about it. I’m guilty of that, but now I’m thinking you can do it if you push yourself and take a chance.” David puts it more succinctly: “There’s a big leap
between thinking about doing something and actually having the balls to do it, basically.” The UK leg of the Art of the Real tour begins at Thompson’s Gallery, Aldeburgh, Suffolk on 7 April. For more details, visit
www.art-of-the-real.blogspot.com
ABOVE Angus McEwan ARWS, Out of Steam, watercolour on paper, 35x48cm
Artists & Illustrators 21
Get your hands on an exclusive Art of the Real tour t-shirt – see page 44
WIN!
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