David Matthews

I am an exhibiting artist/ photographer, formerly a lecturer in Fine Art. My work is eclectic, covering a range of subjects, including landscapes, portraits, figures and the nude. I work figuratively in oils and acrylics, and all types of drawing media. I also explore all these subjects through photography, using it as an image resource and as a medium in its own right. I am currently exploring figurative work with sensual and erotic imagery based upon the poetry of Baudelaire. I also love dance, especially classical ballet. Dancers make wonderful subjects, and both the late Robert Heindel and Katya Gridneva inspire me greatly to produce oils and pastels of these fascinating people.

I have exhibited locally and nationally through open art exhibitions, and have had work selected by the Arts Council for a major touring exhibition which visited major galleries throughout the UK. Some of my work is currently on display in the Porter Brook Gallery, Sheffield.

Working directly from life takes time, but creates the best results. Life models have to sit for hours, so it is not cost effective to work from life all the time. Working from photographs is second best, but is a necessary evil because professional models rightly demand decent money for their time. I have occasionally found good amateur models with a postcard in a shop window... they bring few preconceptions with them and are anxious to please.

Digital photography has become rather like digital music, flawless, detailed, sharp, hard-edged and rather clinical. I like to use a low-tech approach, with tungsten, available light, grain, textured print papers, reworking images by hand, a bit like going back to vinyl. I no longer have a dedicated photographic studio, so I have to practise what I preach with fairly basic lighting, tungsten spots and softboxes, which I find rewards me with an intimate and erotic atmosphere. A painting which is totally photographic has no real point, photography now does it so much better. But a photo which has painterly qualities, is a different matter...

My models need to be toned and well-defined so I can see good structure beneath the skin, and like Rodin's models, be comfortable unclothed and with few inhibitions. I discuss in detail beforehand what I want to achieve and what level they are prepared to work to so there is no misunderstanding. I have met some fabulous models from Purpleport who have completely entered into the spirit of what I am trying to achieve with few hang-ups. Art is non-negotiable, but I will pay the going rate for the right person!