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a knowledge of or interest in the fine arts as a subject or interest

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The Barn Gallery & Studio - Sheila Hooks Artist and Tutor

Virtu-Art visited The Barn Gallery run by Sheila Hooks in Drimoleague arriving at the gallery we could see Sheila through the window her companion Shamrock (pussycat) on her lap. I was looking forward to meeting Sheila for our interview. Seeing she was a cat person put me more at ease for the task.

Sheila has been living here in West Cork now for 12 years and opened the gallery about a year later. It was the landscapes here that Sheila wanted to paint. Having always painted still life this area with its exceptional beauty grabbed her as an artist. She says that "the lighting here in West Cork is so brilliant". Having liked this area it was an easy decision to set up home here in West Cork and just by chance ended up in Drimoleague. The gallery was previously a lofted barn which has been converted into the gallery studio for visitors and students. I asked if Sheila gave many interviews and was informed not that many. She had just been interviewed by Cork Now which will appear later in the year. Sheila will be exhibiting @ Studio 44 in October and the article should be coinsiding with that.

Question: If a person was to invest in a piece of artwork say a painting What would you think should be considered when they were buying a piece of artwork? "If they are buying for investment it is important that the painting is produced from good quality materials and applied properly. Many people think that if they buy an oil painting it is going to last forever, compared with other mediums. This is not so. Many oil paintings crack after a number of years because the paint has been applied incorrectly or inferior materials have been used particularly in the early stages. I work mainly in pastels or watercolours. There is a misconception that pastels are less permanent than oils but you only have to look at some of Degas work to see the vibrancy that is there to this day. A watercolour painting, if good quality materials are used and the finished painting hung on a dry wall away from direct sunlight also has a very long lifespan."

Question: What sort of paint do you use? "I use a variety of makes as the same colour from a different manufacturer will respond differently. I like Schminke watercolours & pastels but I will also use some SAA paints particularly the yellows. I use SAA paints with my students as these are good quality but still reasonably priced."

Question: Back to purchasing a painting any more advice for this? "Well if a painting draws you to it then there is a good chance that others will also see that quality. Its annoying actually when someone comes into the studio and says that they want something to match the curtains. I think that the paintings should be the first things you buy for a room. Then you work the room to the painting. Especially if it is a descent size painting then that is your focal point. I think people that actually collect paintings tend to decorate there rooms fairly neutrally so they can show off any painting."

Question: Do you have collectors of your work? "I do have people that come in and do have the same people returning again and again." I do not work as a gallery collecting names of the people that have purchased my paintings so that I could inform them of new collections. I just get involved with my own work. I think well they know where I am and they will be back about the same time every year which is the way it works for me."

Question: If a person was coming for a weekend course with you, what advice would you give them to help them prepare themselves to get the most out of the experience? "To relax,enjoy & come with an open mind. If they are total beginners I advise them to come for an hour or two private tuition or a 10 week course to aquire a little confidence in drawing as the weekends concentrate more on painting techniques. My courses have been very successful and are usually fully booked. On a weekend I only take 6 students so each student gets plenty of time to ask questions. Saturday mornings are very instructional, dealing with such basics as colour mixing which I find even the more advanced student often lacks confidence in. Also plenty of tips & tricks when it comes to techniques. The rest of the weekend is about putting newly aquired skills into operation and producing a finished painting. Students can choose to work in studio or in the landscaped garden where we are fortunate to have inspirational views to the surrounding hills."

Question: Your paintings are priced very competatively what comment have you on this? "I think that art should be within everyone's reach. I try to give a fare price to my work. Sometimes people think well it's expensive so it must be really good. But this is not always the case."

If you would like to check out Sheila Hooks paintings you can follow this link Sheila Hooks The Barn Gallery & Studio, Drimoleague.

The Tao of Watercolour: A Revolutionary Approach to the Practice of Painting
This is a guide showing painters how to approach the act of painting in a fully conscious manner that can prepare the way for continued artistic growth without the usual stumbling blocks or tedium. Applying the principles presented in the "Tao Te Ching", the book shows painters how to unite spirit, mind and body to achieve inspired craftsmanship in their works

The Encyclopedia of Pastel Techniques:
A Unique A-Z Directory of Pastel Painting Techniques Plus Guidance on How Best to Use Them
Paperback
Publisher:
Search Press Ltd

The Silk Painting Workshop: Painting, Marbling and Batik for Beginners
Explaining the basic techniques of silk painting, which can be surprisingly simple, this book shows how even the complete beginner can soon be producing attractive designs for items such as scarves, cushions and pictures. There are step-by-step explanations of gutta, wax and marbling, detailed advice on choosing between the various types of dyes, and coverage of steaming and fixing, using colour, and designing and developing your own ideas. Throughout the book there are projects to follow, and suggestions to help beginners to develop their own creative skills