This week we met the talented Caroline Hutchings, a local watercolour artist who incorporates inspiration from the Cornish landscape and the colours and motion of the surrounding sea into her lovely work.
Caroline has spent her busy life in administrative roles and being a farmer’s wife meaning she spends a lot of time helping out on the farm. She has now increased her responsibilities by taking on some grandchildren duties, which she clearly loves.
Caroline’s escape has always been her watercolours. It commenced in 1999 when her children went bellringing and she spent the hour sitting at St Winnow, dabbling with watercolours. The perfect place to gain inspiration for her newly found artwork.
Talking to Caroline it clearly shows that her Aunt had been a positive influence on her exploration of artwork. Her Aunt, an artist herself would get Caroline involved in local exhibitions. Caroline began at one of her Aunt’s exhibitions where she submitted two pieces of artwork, both sold. Caroline then sold her work at other local exhibitions before joining a collective in Lerryn, where she sold pieces in a small shop in the heart of the village.
Caroline also became involved in groups, such as an art group at Lerryn and then one in Polperro. Before going on to sell her work in a local shop.
It’s clear from chatting with Caroline that her watercolours bring a little balance to life and this continues now, as you can tell she enjoys the experience of people enjoying her work.
A lot of Caroline’s work comes from commissions based on recommendations or people she knows. At times Caroline joins an exhibition, such as the cancer research exhibition and has enjoyed her work being in a local shop.
It was interesting chatting with Caroline about watercolours; she explained that she tried oils twice and didn’t enjoy the technique or the outcome. Caroline explained that she prefers the lighter approach watercolours bring and wouldn’t move away from them.
Caroline only sells original artwork, which is affordable and brings joy to people who buy and enjoy her work. She tries to keep costs down by recycling frames so that price doesn’t prevent someone from enjoying her work.
Talking to Caroline, it’s evident that her work is highly influenced by Cornwall, the countryside and the coast and she photographs scenes that catch her eye. This could be because of the sea’s colour, the building’s shape, or simply the impression the landscape gives. Especially if blues and greens are present.
She shared James Foot’s artwork and how his journey as a professional artist, along with his use of shadow and depth, inspired her work. Caroline said that her work is more detailed and at times she wishes she could be looser in her approach; however, seeing her work, I can see that her approach is working extremely well.
It’s evident from our chat that Caroline’s work allows her time out. She described a lovely friend she has that invites her out to paint which gives escape and as Caroline states ‘that time is my time’, so clearly it needs to continue.
Caroline is also dabbling in setting up an exhibition, which is such a great aim to have and achieve.
01503220342
carolinehutchings1@gmail.com
