Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephen and Verity Watkins.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Watkins Artwork was started in 2009 when we relocated to Doha, Qatar, with our daughter. Roll on eight and a half adventurous years, two more daughters and lots of travel, we are now back in the UK.
Due to so much popularity of the work we decided to branch out into prints of the most popular designs. Whilst living in Doha we sold many mounted prints of skylines and camels to the ex-patriot community who were keen to have a reminder of their stay in the Middle East.
We wanted to continue to make the prints available, so have set up this website to enable us to connect with Watkins Artwork followers all over the world. Stephen is a Qualified architect with 16 years in the industry spending the last 9 on SIDRA hospital in Doha, Qatar a multibillion-dollar project.
Stephen started painting skylines on canvas in 2003 when we were living in Hampshire, UK. A gallery in South sea, Portsmouth took a few of his original pieces and within a few weeks they were all sold. When we moved to Doha the ever-changing skyline was a great inspiration to Stephen and his work evolved from colorful skylines into arabesque abstract designs with buildings featuring in every one.
Stephen had his first Solo exhibition in January 2016 at The Corridor, Grand Hyatt Hotel, Doha. Verity studied Textile Design at Nottingham Trent University and then completed a PGCE in 2002. From 2002-2009 Verity worked as a Secondary Art Teacher in Hampshire. Verity has always had a passion for color and texture in her work, but more recently combined that with her love of animal portraiture.
Since moving to Doha in 2009 Verity has painted a collection of Camel portraits, Arab horses and abstract landscapes. Verity has taken part in numerous group exhibitions in Doha with the Art group, International Artists of Doha (IAD), at the Corridor, Grand Hyatt Hotel and many Open House exhibitions.
Please tell us about your art.
Stephen is inspired by great architecture whether it be hundreds of years old or the most recently built skyscrapers. The ever-changing skyline in Doha meant that new pieces were always sort after. Stephen has produced skylines of a large number of cities around the world via commission Houston being one of them. He has to date completed London, Paris, New York, Cape Town, Doha, Bahrain, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland,
Stephen works mainly in Acrylic paint on canvas.
Verity’s Work is very different, she is inspired by the natural world around her and all that is living in it. Whilst living in Qatar Camels were her favorites, but also abstract landscape of the desert and sea. Since being back in the Uk the greenery and floral inspiration has been wonderful. Verity works in acrylics and builds up layer upon layer of texture. And often experiments with mixed media.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
We have worked alongside artists from all over the world and a common trait between them is sharing ideas and supporting each other. Verity was a member of the International artist of Doha whilst living in Qatar. A group of 22 artists from 13 countries. We shared practices and learnt new skills from each other. Success to us is producing work that people want to continue to see and share with others. It is a bonus if a piece is sold!
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Currently we are in the UK so our work can be seen at our studio in Suffolk. Pound Green Art Barn. But we have a large online following via our Facebook and Instagram accounts. From our Watkins Artwork website anyone can purchase our work and we can have it delivered anywhere in the world. www.watkinsartwork.co.uk.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.watkinsartwork.co.uk
- Email: enquiries@watkinsartwork.co.uk
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watkinsartwork/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/WatkinsArtwork/?locale2=en_GB
- Other: http://www.stephenjwatkins.co.uk/
Image Credit:
Verity Watkins
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