Sarah Cripps has been a member of Leighton Buzzard Art Society for just over a year. She is based on Heath Road and that’s why you might see her going by the handle Heath Art on social media. We caught up with her to ask her about her art.
How long have you been making art? How did you get into it?
I’ve been drawing forever (my first published piece was in Jackie comic in about 1983, a portrait of Annie Lennox!) but I didn’t really start painting until lockdown, like many people. I’d just got back from a trip to New York and I was really inspired by all the art I’d seen but also puzzled about how the artists actually went about producing a painting. So I decided to learn by trying it out myself, and of course there was plenty of time to learn during Covid.
What media do you work in?
I love oils because they’re rich, strong and gloopy. I’m a very messy person so my art has to be loose and on a fairly big canvas, I struggle with details! But after learning about Chinese brush painting thanks to Leighton Buzzard Art Society I’m also a big fan of inks too.
Which artists do you admire?
I always go back to Van Gogh, Cezanne and Monet… I get embarrassingly emotional in front of the water lilies in the Musee D’Orangerie! My other favourites at the moment are Berthe Morisot, Kehinde Wiley, Celia Paul and Ablade Glover. And I love Gerhard Richter too – the modern Monet!
Which subjects interest you?
I love faces, especially when you’re not sure what someone is thinking, or what’s just happened or is about to happen – something with a sense of narrative. So if I had to stick to one subject it would be portraits. But I really love the chance to mix things up with some landscapes and animals too. I’m a dog walker as well as painting, so I’m often asked to paint dog portraits.
Please tell us a bit about your work process
If it’s a commission, it’s usually based on a photo so I’ll start off with some notes for the customer, with a sketch or two to show the composition, colours and maybe the mark making. If I’m free to choose the subject, it’ll simply be based on what I feel like that day and often it’ll be something very different to my last piece, just to mix things up – a change is as good as a rest! I’ll do a background layer that I think will look good poking through the paint and then sketch on top with thin paint. Then I’ll usually try to cover the canvas quickly so that I have something basic that I can refine. Next is the difficult bit – trying to make it look like I’d intended it to!
Why did you join Leighton Buzzard Art Society?
I joined to learn, meet other artists and sell at the exhibition. But I’ve been amazed at how much I’ve got out of it – everyone is so friendly and supportive, I’ve learned absolutely loads and it’s challenged and stretched me, making me try things I’d otherwise shy away from. And my business has grown as a result. I’m always recommending it to people!
Do you have a handy hint to share?
Last time I was in Paris I noticed that Picasso had used emerald green under the flesh tones of his Neoclassical figures. I tried it when I got home and really liked the results.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’ve got a couple of dog portraits that I need to get on with, and then I’ll be back to a human face after that.
What’s your proudest achievement?
I’m still amazed every time I sell a painting online to someone I don’t know – a complete stranger wanted my picture! It’s fun to think of my work in people’s houses all around the country, and a few places overseas too. And there are often lovely stories behind why people buy the work, it’s very touching.
What is your next learning goal? Is there something new you’re trying to master?
I’m still struggling with life drawing – it’s a fantastic opportunity but my work is completely erratic. I’ve got a few strategies now though and I’m enjoying trying out different media at the sessions too.
If the National Gallery was on fire and you could save just one painting there, which one would it be?
Really difficult! Maybe Van Gogh’s crabs? I love the colours and the brushstrokes. No – probably Gainsborough’s daughters chasing the butterfly, it says something very poignant about how precious time is, as a parent it’s very moving.
Do you have a favourite paint colour?
It has to be International Klein Blue, I love his blue paintings in galleries, the colour definitely has an emotional effect.
You can see more of Sarah’s work on Instagram@HeathArtGallery, Facebook or at SarahCrippsArt.com
