Lynn Horsnell has been a member of Leighton Buzzard Art Society for several years. As well as being a committee member, she is the Programme Secretary who invites our guest artists to demonstrate at our monthly meetings and offer workshops. So if there’s an artist or a method you’d like to see, talk to Lynn! She spared some time recently to talk to us about her own work.
How long have you been making art?
Most of my life but I went to Art School in London on retirement for two years to learn how to do portraiture and life studies.
What media do you work in?
I mostly work in oil but sometimes in pastels and very occasionally acrylics. I prefer oils as you can blend and do more with the paint as it takes longer to dry than acrylics.
Which subjects interest you?
People – in portraits, in environment settings and life studies. I am currently focusing on dancers and musicians.
Please tell us a bit about your work process – how do you approach a new artwork?
This depends on whether it is a commission or painting a model in a group. A commission may take quite long over a period of many weeks. Painting a model in a group may take 4-8 hours.
Where do you usually work? Do you listen to music while you’re working?
I have a studio in which I will work if at home. Sometimes I listen to classical music or jazz. I also like to listen to Radio 4.
Do you have a handy hint to share?
I was recommended at art school to always put a coloured ground on my canvas before painting and not to paint onto the white canvas. The ground colour can be fairly neutral – yellow ochre or buff – or could be linked to whether the painting is going to be in warm or cool colours.
Why did you join Leighton Buzzard Art Society?
To meet fellow artists, share work and join in activities.
What’s your proudest achievement?
To have completed the two year painting course at the Art Academy and the graduation with a presentation from Anthony Eyton RA.
What are you working on at the moment?
Two portraits both started at Westbury Arts Centre.
Do you have a favourite paint colour?
Not really but I do like blues.
What is your next learning goal? Is there something new you’re trying to master?
I am always learning.
Which artists do you admire?
Rembrandt, Grayson Perry and Andrew James RP
If the National Gallery was on fire and you could save just one painting there, which one would it be?
The Arnolfini Portrait by Jan van Eyck.
You can see more of Lynn’s work on her website at www.lynnhorsnellartist.co.uk or look out for it at the annual LBAS exhibition and with the Art4Life Group’s exhibition every June in Stoke Hammond.
