12th August 2024
Interview with Eleanor Campbell
'Practise makes perfect' - a motto that Eleanor has lived by and was told early on in her career. From a family of creative people to her abstract & still life paintings, Eleanor explores where her inspiration has come from and tips for beginner artists.
Eleanor Campbell studied for her BA at Glasgow School of Art and, throughout her life, she has followed in the footsteps of her family as artists and creators. She pursued a career in graphic design and illustration and, later in life, returned to focus on her art. She has carried out numerous commissions and exhibits as a full-time painter in the Cotswolds. Eleanor's semi-abstract landscape paintings express emotions, memories and responses to the world around her. Having lived on the west coast of Scotland, with its rugged coastline, then moving to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, she has enjoyed the best of both contrasting terrains for inspiration.
What inspired you to pick up a brush and start painting?
My mother who was a keen artist sent me to art school where I studied for 4 fabulous years.
When did your love of art start? Did you always want to be an artist?
My love of art started at home with my mother, sister and aunt, all wonderful artists.
What would be your advice for new artists just starting up?
Try to lose your inhibitions, practice every day, start off with the basics and build up your materials as you go, find out which palettes you prefer and keep swatches and notes of them all together in a sketchbook.
What is the best tip you were told early in your career?
Practice as much as you can, look at art in books, galleries & online and note how other artists tackle certain elements of their art.
How has social media helped your career?
Social media has allowed me to reach thousands of people globally which is fantastic!
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Being in the landscape, enjoying the seasons, nature and animals.
What is your favourite Daler-Rowney product and why?
The System3 Acrylic range has a great range of colours, and it has beautifully creamy texture plus mixes well with mediums.
What is a technique that you haven't tried yet that you would love to try & why?
I’m intrigued by the Cold Wax process so I’d love to try that, I even bought a rather expensive book which I read cover to cover but I still haven’t got around to it… yet.
Explore Eleanor's work further here.
