DRAWINGS & PAINTINGS: July Edition

Reece Bell
1 day ago
2 min read

A note from Harry - July Reflections

"It’s a hard world at the moment. Thanks to the likes of Putin and Trump the world seems a lot less secure than it did a few years ago, so people are a lot less inclined to spend money on luxuries like paintings. I don’t blame them! For an old hand like me who’s been through bad times before and come out the other end it’s not so bad but for younger artists trying to make their way it must be especially discouraging. I was told by a teacher at art school that artists should marry someone rich. I said I was already married. He said, “Is she rich?” I said “No.” He didn’t talk to me much after that.

It will get better…..”

— Harry Holland

What I'm Working On

I thought I’d frame up some painted studies, which I usually paint over or throw away, to see what they look like. Many visitors to the studio over the years have told me they find them attractive but I was much more interested in the result of the process, rather than the parts. Here are some;

Carrying on with studies for possible paintings and more work on current paintings;

New This Month

Own a piece of the process - Harry Holland: Drawings

I’m pleased to share that my book Drawings – a curated collection of sketches and preparatory works – is now available to buy directly from our website. These drawings provide a window into the quieter, more immediate side of my practice. It’s not often they’re seen in this way.

Buy Your Copy Here

Studio Insight: The Summer

The seasons of the year don’t make much difference in my work. Whatever I’m working on it’s not usually based on time of year, and even if it is, the length of the working process means that whenever I start something, it could be months before it is finished. There are obvious colour shifts between summer and winter etc but unless it’s part of the narrative, I’m not usually interested. Since my wife and I are not doing holidays much anymore, work doesn’t get interrupted which is good. What does get me in a tizz, though, is how hot or cold it is, since I don't like being either.

Looking Ahead

It is very encouraging to get messages of appreciation for and interest in what I do. I’m always looking for new ways to express the narratives and scenes that make me feel good about the world, or at least curious about it.

Thank you,

– Harry