Interview

May 8

Jon Duthiel

Jon Duthiel is 77 years old and originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands. He now lives in Sydney, NSW, Australia. Like many people, he began painting at an early age, exploring sketching, drawing, and experimenting with different paints. In the early 1970's, after moving to Australia, Jon attended a few workshops, mainly working with water colour and oils. He also spent some time using acrylics although he didn't enjoy it. Everything changed when he discovered soft pastels - once he tried them, he was hooked. Jon loved the immediacy of pastels - the way they respond on paper, the vibrancy of colours, and the expressive mark making. Needless to say, he has never looked back. His subjects vary widely. He enjoys painting portraits, animals, sunsets and landscapes. He’s also had the pleasure of selling paintings in Australia and overseas. Jon is fortunate to have wonderful views from his balcony, which provide him with beautiful sunsets to paint most evenings, so he is never short of inspiration.

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“My early career involved antique furniture restoration and French Polishing, where I found great satisfaction with grains of natural timbers and the delicate attraction of antique designs. I started painting, like many people, at an early age. I found I could express myself sketching, drawing and dabbling with paint, which is normal for most children. After moving to Australia in the early 1970's, I participated in a number of local workshops, mainly with water colour and oil. For a short period, I worked with acrylics but never really enjoyed it. Then, one day, I picked up a soft pastel and Bingo, I was hooked. I immediately loved the instant impact it had on the paper, the mark making and the vibrancy of them. I have never looked back. I love to paint what inspires me at that moment. Portraits, animals, sunsets and landscapes, trying to improve my skills. I have been rewarded with a number of commissions for clients in Australia and overseas.”

What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?

“My artwork aims to say that I have a love of nature, and an appreciation for nature, and a connection to all humanity, regardless of nationality or religion. I have no current social or political issues regarding my work. For me, my art and what inspires me says everything I want to say and what I would like to share with those who view my artwork. My pleasure is creating paintings with soft pastels.”

Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?

“I usually plan my work by taking photos. I am also fortunate enough to have wonderful sunsets viewed from my balcony. They give me great inspiration and an opportunity to paint them without having to leave my home. I enjoy painting en plein air, when the weather permits and setting up still life in my studio.”

Are there any art world trends you are following?

“I don't tend to follow any particular artist, I admire all aspects of art. Old masters, like Degas and Rembrandt are two of my favuourite artists. Modern pastel artists like Richard McKinley, Tony Allain and John Plishka are an inspiration for me but mostly I am a self-taught artist.”

What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?

“When I start a painting, I usually do a sketch on an ordinary sketch pad, checking to make sure it is all in proportion, especially with portraits of people. Once satisfied, I then transfer the drawing onto my good pastel paper. I like using Clairefontain pastel mat paper as it takes many layers of pastel. I also use pastel pencils, a proportion divider, a putty rubber and fixative, if needed.”

What does your art mean to you?

“My art means a sense off well-being with the satisfaction of achieving a piece of art with which I am happy and hopefully the viewer. Painting has helped me through some dark times in my life. I have found it to be very cathartic and it takes me to a happy place in a world so full of uncertainty.”

What’s your favourite artwork and why?

“I don't have a favourite piece of artwork. For me, there are so many pieces of art to which I can relate and enjoy. One that comes to mind, is Degas "The Race Horses" because of the movement and the atmosphere in the work, plus it's in pastel.”