Ian Pethers
I grew up in East Berkshire near Windsor and the River Thames and spent my twenties working on the river as a lock keeper. I began painting at the age of eleven after a holiday in the Tamar Valley and the coastal villages in South East Cornwall.
My early works were in oil and gouache and my school featured two one man shows in the foyer which appeared in the local press. During my lock keeping days I produced detailed ink drawings of the river from source to sea, one of which was accepted and sold by the Royal Society of Marine Artists at the Mall Galleries in 1986.
After working out of doors in all weathers for fifteen years I decided to throw caution to the wind and go professional in 1989; this was followed by a move to my favourite part of the world here in the Tamar Valley a year later.
My property here faces east so I get to witness the magnificent sunrises over Dartmoor as seen in this recent acrylic painting (pictured below). I have become an elected member of The Royal Society of Miniature Painters and The Society of Botanical Artist, the latter for my tree and garden studies rather than botanical illustration.
What irritates you?
Pointless suggestions and non constructive criticism from non artists who do not even understand the concept of painting pictures.
What's your favourite book and/or film?
Anything historical, preferably set in Cornwall or Venice; my wife Marylou and I have holidayed in Venice six times now so I have produced quite a number of watercolours of this enchanted city.
Who do you most admire?
No one person in particular but any one of the tireless army of volunteers who work to keep a cause going with no reward or recognition for themselves.
Who would you most like to meet (anyone dead or alive)?
Some historical royal, perhaps Richard III out of morbid curiosity.
What motivates and inspires you?
I am motivated best by the unusual which suddenly leaps out from the most unlikely source and sends me on a whole new line of exploration or going back over old works to discover something lost and breathing new life into a forgotten passion.
What’s the best work related thing you have done recently?
The best work related project I have recently undertaken is my 3D constructivist pieces of corners of Venice made from plaster, cardboard, and sand (pictured below).
What is your favourite place?
My favourite places are ancient and steeped in history, preferably at twilight, the best time of day.
