An Interview With Rachel McCullock

When did you first become interested in painting?

I have always had a great appreciation for art and enjoyed collecting pieces for my own home.  I started to paint simply for pleasure about 7 years ago when my youngest child started school and was amazed and delighted that my work generated a great deal of interest.

Did you always know you would become an artist, or did you have other ideas?

I started my professional career as a dental technician in a top London teaching hospital. I believe that this is where I developed my interest in colour and the subtleties of shade and tone that is an integral part of creating natural looking teeth.

Are you a full time artist and if so how do you manage your time?

I would love to be a full time artist but with 3 children and as a part time dental practice manager this is an impossibility.  I do however try to spend as much time as possible in the studio, which is a converted summerhouse in my garden.  My children tease me when I utter the phrase “just popping to the studio for five minutes” only to emerge up to five hours later.

You have two distinctive styles; floral and abstract can your reasons for having two different styles?

I like variety and experimentation. Trying out new techniques and materials has lead to the development of a number of different styles that I can apply to a range of subjects. I like to add my own twist to traditional subject matters, such as larger than life fruit and vegetables, textured landscapes and slate to create ‘outdoor’ paintings.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I find that ideas come to me out of the blue as well as looking at photographs in newspapers and magazines. I am also fortunate enough to be surrounded by beautiful countryside and gain inspiration from the colours and textures of nature. 

Do you prefer to work in your studio or on location? 

Without a doubt my studio. I have such a wide array of materials I use for my abstracts that it wouldn’t be practical to work on location.  Also most of my work is painted onto a flat surface and many of my canvases are very large.

Are you influenced by any famous artists, if so who are they?

I have always loved the Impressionist artists for their bright and varied use of colour, fresh and original vision and for creating a welter of techniques and forms.

Your abstracts are very three-dimensional. Without giving away too many secrets how do you achieve this effect?

I strive to produce work with is both aesethically pleasing and creatively unique.  I am constantly sourcing different materials to achieve new and interesting textures to produce the results that you see in my work. 

View Rachel McCullock’s Artwork

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When did you first start painting?

I started painting in childhood, then studied at Leeds College of Art and Design and then specialized in floral art at Stockport Collage of Art.  

As a full time artist how do you manage your time?

As my family is now grown, I have more time to concentrate on my art. And spend much of my time at Jacksons Yard Studios, which I share with 8 other artist.  

Did you always know you would become an artist?

I knew at an early age that I wanted to work in the creative field, and art is where I excelled.  So, I followed my interest and studied at art collage to gain more skill and the opportunity to express my creativity.  

Your paintings are mainly based on Poppies, what is the reason behind this?

I have always loved to paint flowers.  Wild flowers in particular, which for me represent freedom and the joys of spring and summer.  Poppies for me are the essence of this, full of meaning.

How do you gather your ideas and inspirations? Memories? Photos? Or do you work on location?

My ideas and inspirations come from walks in the country side in and around Yorkshire.  It is not just the views which I find inspiring, but also the scents and sounds of the whole landscape. It’s my memories of the landscapes and feelings stirred in me which are my main inspiration. I then try to capture full the essence of the landscape to canvas.    

Are you influenced by any of the great masters?

I love the work of the Pre-Raphaelites particularly Millais and Waterhouse.  Their attention to details and intense colours I find particularly beautiful.  Klimt is also a favourite of mine – his intense use of pattern and flowing forms are exquisite.

You offer a lot of ‘made to order’ artwork so customers can ask for specific requirements; can this be very challenging at times?

Initially when I first started to reproduce pieces it could be quite challenging, having to recreate the exact colours and effects used.  But I’m experience at doing this now, and find it a great opportunity to improve on the original piece, and this is very rewarding.  I also find it a great compliment that a customer is choosing such a piece, often to their own specification, and I always endeavour excel their expectations.

What is the best thing about being a full time artist? And what is the worst?

 The freedom to work at my own pace, doing something I really enjoy – being creative.   And then for my work to be appreciate and enjoyed by others is a pleasure, and extremely rewarding.   For me, there are no negatives about being a full time artist – it is a joy.

View CK Wood Gallery

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