Having started with watercolours - mainly landscapes and seascapes - I then tried oils and more recently acrylics - which I mainly use for animal pictures and pet portraits, and pastels - which I use mainly for people portraits. I now bounce around all of the mediums depending upon the subject matter. I usually have several works on the go which I dip into as the mood takes me, unless I have a specific deadline to meet for a commission. Having just completed another dog portrait commission in acrylics and a rose in watercolour, I am now finishing off a pastel portrait, a still life in pastels, a steam train in watercolour and am about to start on a picture of a horse-drawn plough scene, probably in acrylic.
How did you decide to become an artist?
I have always had a talent for drawing and painting from a very early age - probably inherited from my dad who was also good at sketching. On leaving school I went to Art College for an Art Foundation year where I was able to sample all forms of art, including painting, sculpture, graphics, ceramic, fabric and photography before deciding to concentrate on Product Design. I studied 3-D Product Design at Newcastle Polytechnic, achieving a BA at the end of my studies. One of the guys I studied with was Gavin Bocquet, who went on to work in the film industry and became Design Director with Lucas Films and worked on most of the Star Wars sets designs. However, I realised that I really wasn't good enough to make a living in design and instead used my degree to go into Human Resources management, where I spent all of my working career, initially as an employee and the second half as a consultant with my own limited company. It was during a gap between contracts that I rediscovered my love of painting, after watching Watercolour Challenge on television about 15 years ago. I joined Wisbech Art Club about 3 years ago and I am now the Publicity Officer for the club. Since retiring last year, I have been able to devote more time to my painting.
What's the best advise you've been given as an artist?
About 5 years ago I joined a watercolour painting class by Ian King (local professional artist) and one of the best things I learned from his tuition was to try to be looser in style and to be much more bold with the use of shadow, which can really bring a painting to life.
In a way, I am always creating - even if it's just in my mind. I am always taking photographs of potential subjects for paintings and thinking about trying new techniques or subjects or experimenting with different media. My art studio is full of books, art materials, canvasses, frames, finished paintings etc. But away from painting I also run the Wisbech Acoustic Club which meets monthly at the Locomotive pub where we play instruments and sing all types of music. I enjoy singing (including karaoke) and have taught myself to play a bit of acoustic guitar and dabbled with the ukulele and blues harmonica. Additionally I am captain of a weekly pool team from the Locomotive. I child-mind my 2 years old grandson one day a week. I often wonder where I ever found time to work in the past!
What are your life and work goals for the future?
I don't really have any life goals except to continue to enjoy life and what I do already. I mainly paint for my own enjoyment, but when other people also enjoy my work, it adds to the satisfaction.
I have just had three paintings in the Wisbech Art Club Summer Exhibition, all of which sold, including one bought by the Mayor of Wisbech. From 27 August to 2 September 2016, I will have eight paintings exhibited in St Matthews Church, Sutton Bridge. I will also be exhibiting at the Wisbech Art Club main exhibition in St Peter & St Pauls Church, Wisbech in October/November 2016. Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/artbycbilcliff/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel SAA Gallery: http://community.saa.co.uk/art/artist/23986745.html?oscsid=38tolt32tn8t698su 7vu9fh161 Contact details: Email: cbilcliff@hotmail.com Mobile: 07946 527832
Many thanks to Clive Bilcliff for agreeing to be interviewed for The Orchard Tea Room and Farm Shop Blog. You can view his art daily 10am -4pm until the end of July 2016 at
The Orchard Tea Room and Farm Shop
Redmoor Lane
Wisbech
Cambs
PE14 0RN
Telephone: 07527 046184
Website: theorchardtearoom.co.uk Twitter: @OrchardTeaRoom Facebook: The Orchard Tea Room
Website: theorchardtearoom.co.uk Twitter: @OrchardTeaRoom Facebook: The Orchard Tea Room
