An interview with Charlie Egerton

We are sat in the lovely Eden Valley Artistic Gallery and Studio in Penrith (next to the Town Hall) surrounded by some fabulous paintings. Some of the members of Penrith Art club that have already been featured in the Showcase section of the website display four pieces of their work here, one of whom is Charlie. So let us begin...

As a retired Accountant how does your arty day start?
After breakfast, Bonnie, our Cocker, demands a shortish walk.
When is your most productive period through the day and do you paint everyday?
I paint when the mood takes me! I paint indoors mainly although I do have a studio area for painting, but it is pretty cold, so sometimes I take over our conservatory.
How do you start a painting? Is it from a photo or imagination. 
Once I have an idea, I usually do small rough sketches to try to get the composition OK. When ready, I just start painting, modifying as I go along. I usually use acrylics, but sometimes oil paints, the quick drying variety.

It's lunch time and you have spent most of the morning painting, have you set an alarm or have you been prompted that perhaps you should eat and drink?
No alarms, just a rumbling tummy and a dog who thinks its time for another walk! My Cocker Spaniel soon lets me know when it is time for another walk!

Who inspires you and when did you realise art was what you loved?
I would love to be able to paint like Edward Seago - one day maybe. My grandmother got me going when I was old enough not to make too much of a mess!

EDWARD SEAGO Canal scene, Venice

How long on average does it take to complete a painting?
After about one hour, I think my painting is finished. But then I look at it later and usually have to make changes. Does this mean you are always satisfied with the end results? No! I quite quite often paint over paintings. No point in keeping something that you "hate". Another advantage of acrylics.

I would love to travel to Italy and Japan to paint the countryside where would you visit?
The Lakes of course! If you are coming to the Lakes for the first time to paint a great day out is Crummock Water, with the Kirkstyle in on its doorstep.

​And finally do you have any tips for new artists young or old? Yes, go to some workshops, even if you think you know it all. You don't.
Thanks Charlie for the interview, I'm now off to have a wander around the gallery and be inspired.

If you wish to learn more about Charlie please visit his Showcase page here.