Hi Johnty!

How would you describe your style, and what inspires you to pick up the paintbrush?

My work would probably fit in the contemporary realism category, as I aim for my paintings to look lifelike from afar and be a jumble of texture and brush marks up close. I paint in oils, and although I do paint portraits, I am probably better known for my still lifes and landscapes.

I would say that I pick up the paintbrush for two reasons. The first is straightforward, and that is that I just really love the craft of painting. I have always loved learning and getting better at things, and painting is perfect for this, as the goal is always out of reach. You can always get better, and the best artists I know are always looking to learn and hone their craft.

On the other hand, art lets me share what I find beautiful in the natural world around me. It allows me to slow down and appreciate the small things around me. For example, although it may sound lame, I am genuinely really excited at the time of writing for the daffodils to come up so I can paint them.

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How did you find your place in Cornwall's art scene, and what is it like to be part of such a diverse arts community?

I moved to Cornwall (Falmouth) a couple of years ago, and I can't believe how many artists live here. There always seems to be an exhibition opening, an open studio, or some kind of arts and crafts event happening, which creates a really encouraging atmosphere to be part of.

I’m represented by Beside the Wave Gallery in Falmouth and Pellar Studios in Helston, and both have been a joy to work with. They each have a wonderful, varied group of artists, and being part of those communities has helped me feel properly rooted in the local scene rather than working in isolation.

I’m also really drawn to Cornwall’s artistic history. In my opinion,the artists of the Newlyn School, such as Stanhope Forbes, deserve wider recognition nationally. I love living and working in a place that has inspired artists for hundreds of years. More than anything, though, I love how many people here are genuinely interested in art and want to talk about it.

What are you most looking forward to at this year's FORM Festival?

I am really looking forward to just immersing myself in the Cornish art scene and meeting people interested in art and the other artists. It will be my first time participating in an art festival as an artist, so I am sure I will have a lot to learn from the other artists!

I would also like to speak to the attendees to test the waters and see if there would be any interest for me to teach drawing and painting from life here. Before moving to Cornwall, I used to teach at an atelier in London (London Fine Art Studios) and would love to do something similar here.

To see more from Johnty, visit his website: https://www.johntyrobinsonart.co.uk/

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