Horse Artist Interview – Kathy Lewis

Name
Kathy Lewis

Website & places you can find my work online
www.kathylewisart.co.uk
www.kathylewisart.blogspot.com
Cafepress: Kathy Lewis Art
Follow Kathy on twitter: @kathylewisart

Where I am
South of England, UK

Tell us a little about you, what is your background & where do you
come from?
I was born here in the south of England, UK. Grew up with my mum and sister. I have always loved horses and started riding at a young age. I have always loved art too, so the two finally fell in line together.

But it wasn’t really serious until much later, married 2 children and needed to work from home. I learnt, that if you wanted to do something in life you better get on and do it.

I nearly lost my life due to complications when pregnant with my second daughter. We both got through it but were in Intensive care for 2 weeks. I was unconscious for one of those weeks and
finally met my new 1lb 12 oz daughter when she was already 8 days old!!

When you go through something like that it really does change your outlook on life. I probably would never have actually got on with painting and making a career for myself at all!

I now work in acrylics and work creating animal portrait commissions. Mainly horses!

I also love doing other equine work and have had work exhibited in London for the first time last summer in the Mall Galleries.

When did you first start drawing horses?
At school, “Can’t you do something different for a change?” Art teacher moans again.

I so love painting horses. I do love painting animals that I know too. I find myself smiling at them when they are nearly finished staring back at you!

Do you have a favorite breed of horse?
Not really but I do love a well built chestnut hunter type. Does that count?

Who are your main influences?
Too many to mention, and not always that obvious. Monet, for one and Renoir too. I love the light portrayed in their work.

I am constantly inspired by my many friends in the Equine Art Guild, who produce such beautiful work.

Do you have any secret rituals you do to help you get in the zone for your art?
I definitely have to have the radio on in my studio. And if I am not in the mood to paint I will just tidy up (it always needs doing) and before I know it I am back painting again.

Is there a particular place that brings you inspiration?
I am very lucky to live in between the stunning New Forest national park and the south coast.
So all of that and more!

What effect do you think the Internet will have on art in general?
Good and bad really, I am always disappointed to see so much breaching of copyrights and with the ability to lift art from places that has to be bad.

On the upside, it has enabled me to increase my profile, sell via my website, stay in contact with other equine artists and learn.

Which one is your personal favorite piece?
I change sometimes but I do love my painting “First Chukka” It’s the biggest piece I have done and I hope to exhibit it in the Mall galleries in London this year for the Society of Equestrian Artists annual exhibition. If it doesn’t sell by then of course:)

I also love a recent one I have just finished called racing stripes. That goes back to depicting a certain light in the painting.

Would you ever sell it?
Oh gosh yes, everything has a price !!Ha Ha.

What else are you passionate about?
Horses, did I already mention those! lol Anything to do with my children.

Working on anything new?
Always. I am working on a large,long and narrow painting at the moment with hounds.

More to Come

Thanks to Kathy for answering the interview and sharing her art. Be sure to check out her art website periodically for updates about her latest works.

Also stay tuned for more interviews with horse artists and photographers.

Are you a horse artist or do you know an equine artist you’d like to see featured? Add your name and website in the comments below or drop me a note to get involved.