Heather Harding
Hailing originally from London, but now residing in East Sussex, Heather has worked for many years as a Fashion and Textile Designer, spending some of her time working in New York. Having always had to put aside the more creative aspects of her life in favour of a steady job, she feels now is the perfect time to embrace art and, in particular, painting. Heather started painting three years ago and has a real passion for portraiture and life drawing. She is fascinated by capturing the flesh and skin tones of her subjects - including the readily available subject in her partner, musician, Matt. She also enjoys working with more unusual mediums like red chalk - though is the first to admit she has yet to master acrylics and would like to tackle the subject of still life.
Q&A
What first inspired you to get into painting?
When I was a student I used to sit for a portrait class to earn some money. The tutor told me to come along to a painting class one day because she knew I was a bit down and she thought it would cheer me up. It did! I absolutely fell in love with the feeling it gave me and knew, from that moment, that I would one day take up painting.
What piece of your own artwork are you most proud of?
My portrait of a model called Jennifer that I did in an evening class a couple of years ago. I completed it in 3 sessions, so about 8 hours in total. I still have it and it hangs in my living room.
Have you had any artistic disasters?
I won’t spoil it but you’ll see coming up a painting of mine that is a total disaster in one of the weekly challenges…
What was it like being critiqued by Lachlan and Daphne 鈥� what did you learn most from their weekly feedback?
I didn’t mind the criticism at all. A lot of the subject matters were new to me and I was very keen to learn and improve as much and as quickly as possible. The fact that they loved some of my work has really boosted my confidence.
Which artist(s) has inspired you the most?
I’m fascinated by portraits, so I would have to pick portrait artists. Tai Shan Schierenberg’s portrait of Seamus Heaney and any paintings by Catherine Goodman are amongst my favourites. Fantastic colours and bold brush strokes.
What is your favourite thing to paint or draw?
Bodies and faces. Clothed or nude. I don’t mind!
Quick questions鈥�
Landscape or portraiture? Portraiture.
Acrylic or watercolour for painting? Acrylic.
Pencil or ink for sketching? Ink.
Still life or life drawing? Life drawing.
Lachlan or Daphne? Both!
