What inspired you to become an artist?

My mother was very creative in all areas, she had been to Camberwell Art School. When I was small and as a treat, under her supervision, I would be allowed to look at her portfolio of the work that she did and be amazed. I wanted to produce some ‘artwork’, so I think this was the basis for what led me onto being creative.

When did you discover your flare for fine art? how has your work evolved since then?

I did a course in illustration at the University of Cardiff which came under the title of Graphic Design, but I would often wander up to the Fine Art department where I could see that there was a cross over of artists, producing work that to me seemed to blur the definition of these enforced titles. On the course, I found a real empathy for the human form, and fell in love with life drawing. Since then, I have become more concentrated on technique and materials, continuously striving to improve my skills.

How have your surroundings been influential to your work?

I am very lucky to live in a beautiful area of the country and one cannot but help be moved by the change of seasons, the light, the weather and those living creatures around you. I think the main subject I consider when producing a piece of work is the light, as this has so much influence of the finished picture, giving it atmosphere.

What do you find enthralling about portraiture? What are the attributes to an interesting face to paint?

I think my obsession with portraiture is that every face is individual and unique and that is quite inspirational. Each face you draw or paint is always a challenge and I never seem to be totally satisfied with the completed portrait, there is always room for improvement. I am not only trying to get a likeness but also something of the persona of the subject, which is the trickiest aspect to capture. One could call it that X factor, you know it when you see or sense it? Therefore, I would say that all faces are fascinating.

Who has been your most favourite sitter to paint and why? Do you have anyone who you would particularly like to paint in the future?

My most favourite sitter thus far has been Aruba who is a retired ballet dancer. Her grace and pose are stunning, she has that certain X factor I mentioned before and her conversation, so refreshing. The person who I would like to paint one day, (I had to think very hard for this) is Emeritus Professor Diarmaid MacCulloch. He is a historian who has written, appeared on the television and on the radio. His face, to my mind, is kind, gentle, with a sparkle of humour in his eyes. I just need to pluck up the courage to ask him?

How has Leonardo da Vinci influenced your work?

I have always admired Leonardo right from an early age. I think one reason I was so captivated by him was we are both left handed and at the time left handedness meant clumsy and messy. He was so in control of his art, in painting, drawing and his research, using pictures to explain his thoughts, all this I found totally understandable. I used to mimic how he drew with pen and ink, using sepia ink just to give that aged look. I produced a series of drawings after seeing the ‘Cartoon for the head of the infant Saint John the Baptist’ at the Leonardo exhibition at the National Gallery. It was not only his drawing that inspired me, but also the piece of scrapy paper that it was stuck to, these became my torn paper drawing series, mostly produced on brown paper with graphite and white chalk. I often go to the National Gallery, just spend time with the Burlington House Cartoon, because it is such an amazing piece of art. Also, Leonardo was an avid experimenter, as we can see from some of his works that have started to perish. I like to try and push the mediums just to see what affects you can obtain, even though I may not use all the time them in my pieces, they are in the back of my mind lurking. So, I can honestly say that Signori Da Vinci has a special place in my heart.

Describe your creative process for your most recent piece of work?

Currently I have been commissioned to produce a landscape drawing of a building. It is a stately home with very interesting stonework. I have visited the site twice, in spring and in the summer, and taken photographs of the array of different plants and flowers. I feel that the final image should have atmosphere and although working in black and white, it should have distinctive contrasts, in its trees, the sky and the cast shadows. I have made a few little roughs to see how the tones balance across the image as I feel there should be a sense of equilibrium with areas of interest that draw the eye. I have drawn it out to size and started on the stonework, as I progress, I will check the tonal values. In my head I am holding the thought of a Camille Corot painting, of the softness of the natural forms with the contrast of the strong stonework and windows, we shall see how it turns out.

If you could own an original of any artwork in the world in your home, what would it be and why?

This is a difficult one to answer as there are so so many portraits that I adore. But after going through my saved collection of favourites, the one I have chosen that I would love to have in my own home is the Self Portrait by Samuel Palmer.

Samuel Palmer lived near where I live, and drew, painted, and etched the landscape around here. Therefore, I am often reminded of him, whilst out walking, noticing the way the sun sets through the trees, or the hedgerows in spring. The self portrait of the artist is looking directly out at the viewer. It is made up of just a few colours, black, white and brown, using paint, charcoal and chalk. I just love the simplicity of the pose and materials. and the way that you, as a viewer, question what is he thinking about? Is he sad, is he just focused on what he is trying to portray. His slightly ruffled hair, has he just got up out of bed and decided ‘today I will paint myself?’ He was only 19 when he produced this, and I know what I was producing at this age does not compare. It is a beautiful image, simply drawn. I think I would like to have this on my wall, but unfortunately the Ashmolean Museum has it, so you go can and see it, but not take it home.

https://www.kayehodgesportraits.com/

ARTIST INTERVIEW: Kaye Hodges