Tim Wooton also replied to me, his work is so realistic and lifelike that i had to contact him to see how well he does in wildlife art, and whether it is a particularly good career path, and i have to say that the fact he got to travel to the Orkney islands to develop himself as an artist. It has definatly strengthened the idea that i would like to work as a wildlife artist:
1. What important events led to you becomming noticed as an artist? and how hard was it to get this far?
I’ve always drawn birds and animals – ever since I was about three or four. The earliest memory I have about art was when my elder brother Stephen received a copy of ‘Thorburn’s Birds’ and I started to trace the paintings in the book. We still have the book and you can still see the indentations around some of the paintings where my pencil pressed into the page – quite spooky to see it really.
Going to art college at 18 was an important time – it was where I was first taught to draw in proportion by measurement – a revelation. I started exhibiting my work regionally and won a few small prizes, but in 1990 I started working professionally as an environmental consultant and illustrator. I didn’t have much time for ‘real art’ then but I learned a lot about technique and deadlines – very important!
But – the single most important event in my life and career was definitely relocating to the Orkney Islands. I came here to live to develop as an artist. The place is full of birds and wonderful landscapes and it is a daily inspiration for an artist. I made the conscious decision to devote my life to studying, painting and drawing the special birds of our islands.
2. What resources did you use to get noticed, did you contact company's and publishers?
When I first started out I spent quite a bit of time telephoning and writing to publishers but I think you are better visiting in person (if this is convenient) and try and get to know the art-buyers personally. Nowadays it is much easier to get in contact and things like Facebook and other internet resources are extremely useful.
I used to work as a freelance illustrator for magazines such as BirdWatching and Birds Illustrated. I also write articles about wildlife and ecology and general countryside issues.
I use the internet a lot and have set up my own website and blog which gets 100 hits a day. I sell work through the site.
3. How hard is it to get or set up commissions with a client?
Nowadays most people contact me for commissions. I don’t always have the time to do them and always insist that I make the paintings in my own way – not how the client thinks it should be done.
4. What types of work do you prefer to create pieces for?
I much prefer to make self-initiated paintings =- commissions are always stressful (what if the client doesn’t like the finished painting??). All of my work is based on first-hand observation in the field. It’s essential hat the artist has a connection with the subject. I have no time for artists who make grand paintings of elephants and tigers – and have never seen them in the wild!! I also don’t see the point of making highly detailed photographic renditions. Art has to involve something of the artist – not just be technically clever. Emotional involvement with the subject is very important, I think.
5. Where would you like to be, or are you happy with how far you have come?
I’m in the perfect place – I think. Orkney isn’t an easy place to live but the benefits for a wildlife artist are many and varied. If ever I run out of inspiration, I just take a walk outside along a beach, over a moorland, on top of some cliffs and the inspiration to make paintings is all around.
6. Is it enjoyable? Also is it better working freelance, or with a company
I can see the benefits of both. It would be nice to have a regular pay packet every month, but it would also mean having to go to a lace of work 5 or 6 days a week. At the moment my income fluctuates, but I am my own boss and can do almost as I please. . . . work-wise, anyway ;)
If you are to be self-employed, then you need a lot of discipline. You have to make a real work space often in your own home and you have to make sure you put the hours in – which can be difficult some days when there is the option to stay in bed!
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