7th January 2025
Interview with Rodney Kingston
In this engaging interview, London-based oil painter Rodney Kingston shares insights into his artistic journey and creative process. Specialising in portraits, landscapes, and still life, Rodney draws inspiration from everyday subjects and strives to work from life whenever possible. He highlights the importance of life-drawing sessions in honing his observational skills, often using oil paints for quick sketches, even during fleeting poses.
Rodney’s portrait work reflects his love for painting people, and he welcomes commissions to capture unique personalities. His landscapes explore both urban and rural scenes, with a special focus on London and the River Thames at Staines. Meanwhile, his still life compositions range from classic fruit arrangements to intriguing depictions of studio tools, showcasing his ability to control lighting and explore texture in a studio setting.
Beyond his personal practice, Rodney is passionate about teaching. He runs oil painting workshops and short courses, where he fosters a collaborative studio atmosphere. He finds joy in helping students refine their skills and celebrates their growth as artists. For Rodney, sharing knowledge is as rewarding as creating art itself, making him a valuable mentor in the artistic community.
What inspired you to pick up a brush/pencil and start painting/drawing?
When I was really young I'd draw footballers from 'Shoot!' and 'Match' magazines. I've always been a big football fan and I guess drawing my favourite players was my way of expressing myself. It gave me a great foundation in observational drawing.
When did your love of art start? Did you always want to be an artist?
I can't recall a starting point for loving art, it has just always been there. It has been my 'thing' for as long as I remember. The desire to paint has been constant but I didn't grow up wanting to be an artist because I had no idea that was something people could do. I became a graphic designer and for almost 20 years that was my full time profession until I took the plunge to become a professional artist in 2024.
What would be your advice for new artists just starting up?
In many ways I am a new artist starting up but in reality I have been a side-line professional for a decade. Looking back over that time it has probably been the consistency and dedication to improvement that has been the most important thing for me. Developments in my work have come through that constant striving to be better. Also, be your own number one fan. Love what you do and shout about it.
What is the best tip you were told early in your career?
I can't recall receiving a top tip early in my career but I know for sure that I have been inspired by other artists who are doing 'it' right now more than anything else. Social media opened my eyes to what artists around the world are doing day in and day out right now and over the years that has been a game changer for me. It's my best motivational tool.
How has social media helped your career?
Social media gave me a platform to show my work before exhibiting was an option or possibility. It has helped me with accountability when I have committed to 30 day challenges but most of all it has exposed me to countless expert artists and allowed me to peek into their world and learn from them.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
The world around me. My surrounding world is different from the next person and there are things that I find beautiful that someone else won't. The inspiration comes from people, places, objects and the feelings they conjure up in me which makes me want to record them in paint.
What is your favourite Daler-Rowney product and why?
I love an art shop and love to collect art materials, many of which sit in my studio for years before being used! So having to choose a favourite product is a bit mean! However, the Georgian oils get my vote. It is an extensive range, great quality and painting in oils is my favourite thing to do.
What is a technique that you haven't tried yet that you would love to try & why?
I've only ever dipped my toe in palette knife painting so perhaps this is the year that I commit to doing an entire painting using only palette knives and no brushes.
Explore Rodney's work further here.
