An Interview with Haydn Morris

Good to see you again Haydn, it must have been September last year when I saw you and the crew at Tirril. Thanks for the beer, Tirril Brewery's 'Old Faithful' in a half pint glass, just like my nickname, Halfpint. Hey did you know that Eden River Brew Co who I work for started life off at Brougham Hall after Tirril Brewery moved out because they had gotten to big for the venue? I love these Seabrook cheese & onion crisps. You can't beat eating crisps and drinking half pints under a luscious Pear tree, by the way I'm coming back later with a bag for some pears. My little tree only has four pears on! Bottoms up!       ​

So on with the interview, enough of my ramblings you know I'm a bit of a chatter box. How's the arty life treating you?
As a poor starving artist, I'm still not retired, even without children or pets. I do love to read when I'm not painting or visiting the Shetland Isles, or off locally walking the countryside. I like a good read, who do you read I've noticed a couple of books dotted around? John le Carre, Ian Rankin, Alexander McCall Smith. I do like a spot of Line of Duty, Vera and films like Local Hero too.
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When is your most productive time of the day to paint and how do you start?
I paint whenever I am inspired, and my most productive time varies. I usually paint in my studio which is part of the house, but outside is good to paint. Otherwise, the painting starts from sketches, a photograph or my imagination, I sketch it out first and then move to the canvas where I layer my colours up, to create the desired effect. ​

Does Judith pop her head in to check on you at regular periods?
Yes, Judith looks in occasionally to make sure I’m not slacking. I do also get shouted at for being late for dinner, or when a cup of cold tea is discovered.
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Who or what is your inspiration?
I started painting seriously around 1985. Interesting landscapes, with defined spaces, contrasting lines and shapes, and above all – atmosphere and a sense of place.

I've seen you working away at the Tirril Art club on a Monday evening and I don't think I've seen you painting the same painting by the end of the month. How long does it take you to complete a painting?      
It varies from a few hours to a few weeks, or occasionally months – but I'm not full time! I'm not always satisfied with the results either!

​​So have you ever painted over one of your paintings you didn't think 'cut the mustard'? 
Yes, once, but that’s not to say I shouldn’t have done so more often.

I've only seen you use oils as a medium, have you ever tried another medium? 
Watercolour, pastel, acrylic, ink, pencil. I’ve tried lithography, using Bavarian limestone's, which give a wonderful texture, but it needs too much equipment and chemicals.
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Italy is my destination to go to for a month of travel and to create my landscape art. That is if I ever won the lottery and I could stop working for a month. Where would you go?
​Anywhere with mountains, lakes, old dilapidated buildings and fences, sea cliffs. ‘Edge of the fell’ in Cumbria , or the Scottish Islands.

Where would you suggest anyone coming to Cumbria goes to paint or to visit? 
There is lots of places; anywhere around Ullswater and then pop for a spot of lunch/evening meal at the Queen’s Head in Tirril.

Any tips for new artists young or old? 
Paint what you like, how you like, not how you think anyone else wants. That makes me reluctant to paint commissions, unless I’m really keen on the subject.

​So, now the interrogation is over where are we off to paint? I've brought my packed lunch, a flask of tea and a big padded cushion, I'm ready to get arty!
How does the Howtown steamer pier sound? We can sit in the shed, out of the rain, and there’s a great view of lake, trees, ducks, reflections …. Awesome it sounds perfect see you there in 30 minutes!

Did you catch Elizabeth Acland, Maria Burton, & Margaret Jones's interview. Click on the name to read.