Melvyn Flint
Retired graphic designer - and oldest contestant - Melvyn is bursting with energy and enthusiasm for his love of art. Many years ago Melvyn completed a three-year formal art course to learn the basics, with everything since being self-taught. He鈥檚 a big fan of David Hockney and was so inspired by one of his exhibitions that he started creating work on his iPad and embracing new technology. Melvyn loves working in all mediums, and though he feels he has no areas of weakness he appreciates there is always room for improvement. His style is very precise 鈥� at a local art group a teacher once tried to encourage him to be more 鈥榮ploshy鈥� with his technique as he was so neat! Highly competitive due to his freelance background, Melvyn takes his painting very seriously.
Q&A
What first inspired you to get into painting?
From an early age I always had a desire for painting and drawing, but my first real inspiration came when I started at Maidstone Collage of Art aged 16. At Art School I was rubbing shoulders with real artists, and my eyes were opened to lots of new ideas regarding art.
What piece of your own artwork are you most proud of?
The piece of my own artwork that I am most proud of is painting called "Artillery Advance" which depicts the Kings Troop of the Royal Artillery gun crews advancing against a misty spring morning background. This painting was my first real attempt at using Acrylics, and it took 3 weeks to complete. I still own the original painting and would not sell it, but I have produced a limited edition of 50 signed prints which I will be selling.
What was it like being critiqued by Lachlan and Daphne 鈥� what did you learn most from their weekly feedback?
Having worked as a graphic designer all my life, I am used to comment being made about my work. I thought the overall judging of the programme was fair, but as a watercolour specialist I did feel a little in the minority. I found Lachlan's comments to be constructive and useful. Daphne on the other-hand was quite severe with my work. But at the end of the day you have to just take it on the chin.
Which artist(s) has inspired you the most?
John Singer Sargent is the artist that I admire the most, his style is impressionistic but he still manages to convey a crisp vibrant image. Manet has been an influence on my work. He is a true master in the use of black and brush work is so economical but he makes every mark count.
Quick questions鈥�
Landscape or portraiture? I much prefer Landscapes to Portraiture. The opportunity to capture natural shade outdoors is exciting.
Acrylic, oil or watercolour for painting? My favourite media is Watercolour.
Pencil or ink for sketching? I prefer to sketch with a pencil, I find it more forgiving.
Still life or life drawing? Still Life.
Lachlan or Daphne? As a judge and a painter I prefer Lachlan. His comments about my paintings were useful criticism. I will find Daphne's comment about my "Schoolboy Error" regarding shadows hard to get over!
