Some artists have such a thirst for new inspiration, driven to explore the many mediums and styles that exist within the world of art that it would be impossible to pin them down to just one genre or stylistic category. Mel Davies is one of these painters, finding the beauty in everything he comes across in life, noticing the small details in people and his environment that others simply overlook. As a result, his stunning portfolio is diverse, yet all of his paintings for sale have a similar charm that is unique to the artist.
Here we spoke to Mel Davies, digging deeper into the mind of this intriguing contemporary painter.
‘Bob Dylan The Times They Are A Changin’ – view here.
1. How did you get into art and painting? Has it been something that has always been second nature to you?
My love of art came very early in life. I suppose, like most artists, we find ourselves sketching on rainy days… from the age of around seven I discovered it was one of the few things I could actually do with some success. Of course, searching for praise would be a big thing at that age.
2. You recently did a series of pop-culture icons. Are you drawn to anyone in particular or are they all equally as inspirational?
The recent series of pop-culture icons is really not a new thing for me. To cut a long story short, I’ve played guitar professionally and taught guitar for many years but the burn to create art was still there, so eventually I began painting water colours of rock icons. My favourite is Jimi Hendrix, who is a gift to an artist with all the colour and magic that surrounded him. These became popular with my guitar students and they were soon asking if they were for sale.
3. Do you prefer to work from subjects and photographs or is everything down to your imagination?
How I create a piece of artwork depends on largely on what it is I’m after. If the piece is a commission and they would like it to be realistic you are slightly restricted to working from the subject and photographs, although I do love to use my imagination on any artwork I produce.
‘Iberian Summer’ – view here.
4. You are known for not wanting to categorise your artistic style. As a painter that transcends genres and techniques, which methods are you currently using at the moment and why?
I Love creating art whatever its style may turn out to be. I would hate to restrict myself – each style has an effect on another.
Although I don’t have a problem creating a piece that’s realistic, I’m working hard to produce more impressionistic pieces. I believe this style is now very popular, although beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as they say.
5. What kind of feelings or moments inspire your work most?
What inspires me is feeling. I’m talking about a sense of excitement, of awe and wonder.
I have a magpie attitude to inspiration. I seek it from all sorts of sources. Anything that allows me to think about how culture comes together. I’m always on the lookout – I observe people in the street, I watch films, I read, I think about the conversations that I have. I consider the gestures people use, or the colours they’re wearing. It’s about taking all the little everyday things and observing them with a critical eye, building up a scrapbook which you can draw on. Sometimes, too, I look at other artworks or films to get an idea of what not to do.
‘Finding Your Way’ – view here.
6. Again, as emotion forms a strong basis for you work, do you think that it works the other way round? How does a painting impact the atmosphere of a room?
When I find myself captivated by a pretty space, one of the first things I study is how the art is influencing the design of the room. It’s crazy how much art changes the feel of a room, yet lots of people leave it as an afterthought when putting together their home. It’s the cherry on top, it’s the finishing touch.
In my opinion, there is no wrong way to design. You could start with a sofa, a painting, a fabric, rug, a photograph, whatever. Art doesn’t have to be driving force, but it IS a strong influence. Art is a great way to contrast, soften, add colour, or add graphic emphasis. You can use art to get more serious, or get a little cheeky. Design for me is always a bit of a balancing game. Adding a bit more traditional to a modern space, a little bit of rustic to soften a glamorous one, etc. A little thing like a picture on a wall can totally sway the vibe of a space.
7. Why do you choose to sell your artwork online?
I simply choose to sell my artwork on line because it promotes my work all round the world.
8. What do you do when you need a creative boost?
If I need some kind of creative boost a long walk will sometimes help but going to the cafe for a coffee to chat with my artist friends will refresh or rest my mind. You have to walk away – sometime an idea will hit you, making you feel a little better.
‘8:30 am’ – view here.
Like all of the artists that are part of our community at Art2Arts, Mel Davies has his own ‘space’ at our online art gallery. Updated regularly, view his dedicated gallery section here, or discover the rest of our talented artists.
