Featured Artist - Rebecca Westguard

Rebecca Westguard produces figurative paintings and drawings. She finds the simple difference in appearance from one human to another captivating and a subject which she endeavours to portray in her current long term painting series of male and female sitters. Rebecca will be showing her work at the Brighton Art Fair.

Where did you train? What did training teach you and what do you wish it had taught you?
Gray's School of Art in Aberdeen which is part of the Robert Gordon University. Training taught me appreciation, patience, anatomy! good friendships and a wondeful overall creative lesson and; experience. If anything, I wish it had taught me confidence at an earlier stage.

When and where did you first want to do what you do?
By the later years of primary school, I became aware that drawing was the most notable thing I could do. I remember a visiting art teacher, she came every week to the village school, and after asking me to bring in something I'd like to work from, she took me to one side, by the classroom window, to paint a china clown in watercolours. She had stretched paper on a board and did an example of the face on the corner of the page, which I was most impressed with. I was pleased with the result and saved it to give to my Dad. I also received subtle encouragement from my Nan who I didn't see very often but on noting my interest, encouraged my practice.

One favourite living artist?
Lucian Freud - when your traditionally figurative, you find yourself with limited fellow artists to emulate in discipline. Freud is simply looking to the top. (I wrote this days ago and hadn't got round to sending it. Having only just found out he's passed away, I'm truly saddened.

One favourite historical artist?
Can I have two? - Helen Chadwick - I admire the speculative approach she had, her drive and passion. Joan Eardley - deserving of far greater recognition, Eardley inspires me in a North East Scotland kind of way! I admire a number of female artist that have carved a niche for themselves and made their mark.

Where do you get most of your inspiration from?
The human form captivates me to no end.

What is the most interesting / fun job you have had?
With out a doubt, my current job; working at Hospitalfield House in Arbroath. It's the most inspirational, wonderous, exciting, challenging and fullfilling place I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing. I also love teaching drawing at Gray's School of Art.

Have you had any interesting work related collaborations?
Nothing specific comes to mind, but my residential stays at Hospitalfield House in Arbroath (Scotlands first art school) have involved working along side and building some wonderful relationships with a variety of very interesting artists.

At age 16 who most influenced your style?
A combination of influential artists and family. Both my Great Grandfather on my mothers side and my Grandmother on my fathers side were/are talented and able to draw with admirable analytical detail.

Last book / film that blew your mind?
La Vie en Rose - it's flawless

What music are you currently listening to?
All sorts, Joni Mitchell, Ocean Colour Scene, Coldplay, Ray Lamontagne, Van Morisson

Who would you say buys your work?
People who fall in love with the thought and the moment.

Where and what is your studio?
I'm currently working for the summer in the Patrick Allan-Fraser Master Studio at Hospitalfield. It's a truly beautiful studio.

Do you have a good work/life balance?
Yes. It varies throughout the year and for the last two years I have been very satisfied. Everything I do is about what I love, I couldn't ask more than that.

What one word would describe your feeling of doing your work?
Intimate

If you could be doing anything else what would it be?
Flying and I'd be a bird! or maybe a bat, I've helped 17 this week who have flown the wrong way and got trapped. Common Pipistrelle's - they are very cute.

If you could exhibit in any gallery in the world which would it be?
One highly recommended by Freud.