Gray’s School of Art, 44, trained at Gray’s School of Art before going on to develop his career. Born in Edinburgh, he never thought about being an artist but always wanted to make things.
Why did you choose Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen for your first degree?
Grays picked me. I loved it, the academic training, the continual assessment and conversations with tutors. It gave me time to practice skills learned.
What subjects do you prefer to cover in your work?
My subject has really been colour for a long time now. The visual source of figures and skyscapes are just starting points for these colour explorations.
What tools do you use?
Oil paint, pastels and my eyes.
What is your inspiration?
One painting by Willem de Kooning that literally awoke my senses.
Has your work and technique changed as you have aged?
Yes, it’s become more involved in the paint as a structure itself.
Who has been the biggest influence on your work?
Euan Uglow for showing me the importance of conviction in ones pursuit.
During your studies, what has been your biggest lesson?
To be aware.
Tell me about the exhibition at Rendezvous Gallery.
My exhibition is called ‘Translating Encounters’.
It’s a collection of paintings done in the last two years. Hopefully it shows my continual want and need to awaken the visual and emotional senses we all share.
You have exhibited at Rendezvous before – why do you keep coming back?
Duane at the gallery has a great collection of artists and I’m very happy to be included.
Aberdeen was my first home from home and it’s people have always supported me.
Where would be your dream location to exhibit in?
Exhibitions are an element I’m not that concerned about as it’s the actual painting that I need to do.
My dream painting place would be anywhere the model is posing.
Head along to Rendezvous Gallery on Forest Avenue in Aberdeen to see Paul’s work. His exhibition ‘Translating Encounters’ is on until this Saturday, June 17.
See http://rendezvous-gallery.co.uk/
