Stewart Edmondson: New Paintings

About

Edmondson’s interests in biology, geography and art and design prompted him to initially train as a Landscape Architect. He then began painting full-time in 2002.

Now based in Dartmoor, Edmondson paints en plein air, depicting the landscapes of Dartmoor, South Devon, and Cornwall in all weather. His paintings are mainly completed outside, and then finished in his studio. He enjoys the spontaneity and unpredictability of this form of artistic process, allowing the weather to constantly alter and even physically change his work.

‘It’s usually pretty fast and dynamic, which is a way of responding to the often rapidly changing light and conditions of painting outside.  Painting outside and using as much paint as I do – it can be wild – the wind and rain tends to move it around when you throw it onto the paper. It can be harsh out there, up on the moor – but I love it.  My studio is just a place for looking at finished work and tidying it up.  It is fantastic working outside – you’re not totally in control because of the weather and the raw inspiration of the place.  Ink and water can get blown over the paper.  At first it can look chaotic, but I work with that – I love that unpredictable aspect.  For me it is all about allowing something that is beyond my control to come through – allowing the place, the wind, the weather directly into the painting.  If I felt I was fighting against the elements it wouldn’t be very enjoyable, but I just relish the chaos.’

-Stewart Edmondson