Keith Nash

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with acclaimed artist Keith Nash, whose captivating landscapes and distinctive style have earned him a devoted following. Known for his masterful use of light, texture, and emotion, Keith shares insights into his creative process, inspirations, and the journey that shaped his artistic career. Whether you're an aspiring painter or an art enthusiast, this deep dive into Keith Nash’s world offers both inspiration and practical wisdom straight from the easel.

Background and Inspiration:
Can you share how your journey as a watercolour artist began? What drew you to this medium?

Having spent most of my early years involved in the building services industry, I needed a hobby that was the opposite of my career and one which was (in the main) stress free!

I had always admired watercolour paintings, which for me, are more interesting than oils, or acrylics. A lot less messy as well! I took up painting, bought some how to paint books and never looked back.

Living in Norfolk, how has the East Anglian landscape influenced your work? Are there specific locations that inspire you the most?

Over time, I managed to produce work that people actually wanted to buy, which spurred me on to improve myself in my new found skill. Having got married in 1975 and moved to Norfolk, I was soon beguiled with the wild salt marshes and dramatic skies. Places like Blakeney and Cley, on the north coast have an abundance of wildlife and raw beauty that is irresistible to a landscape artist.

Two Plus Dog

Artistic Process and Techniques:
Your work captures the changing light and tones of the landscape beautifully. Could you elaborate on your process for observing and translating these variations into your paintings? 

One criticism I have about watercolours, is that if you are not careful then the end result can be a bland and wishy-washy painting, that holds no interest for me at all! Far better, to emulate the real sky on a steel cold winters day, with ever changing dark and light sweeping across the horizon.

My style is first to create a sky, I do not copy the real thing, but develop the sky using wet into wet technique and let it do its own thing! Almost impossible to explain, but it works! Once the sky has settled, I then I seek to create areas of the foreground that reflects the sky above onto the water below. This whole process is very quick to do and get right first time, but when it works, it works well. Whatever medium you use, there should be a wow factor when looking at the picture for the first time. To achieve this, you need lots of pigment.

How do you balance contemporary and traditional styles in your watercolours? Are there particular techniques you favour to achieve this blend?

I only use watercolour tubes using lots of pigment, sometimes having two or three lumps of pigment on one brush head. I never ever make a wash! Really?? Really! Yes you could call me a watercolour maverick!
I tend to try and paint in a contemporary fashion, developing a painting as I go along, but my leanings towards the traditional, keep pulling me back to realism. So I guess I am somewhere in the middle.

Studio Practice and Exhibitions:
You participate in the Norfolk Open Studios event annually. How does engaging with the public during these events impact your work and artistic perspective? 

Participating in Norfolk Open Studios over the years has taught me a lot about what people see in my paintings. The public are quick to tell you what they like and even what they do not like! Luckily, on the whole, they are more the former. Without doubt it is the sky reflecting into foreground water that attracts most art buyers.

Beyond your studio, your paintings are exhibited in various galleries such as Mana Art in Aylsham and The Flint Gallery in Blakeney. How do these collaborations influence your exposure and relationship with art enthusiasts?  

I have sold my work through 30 plus art galleries over time, and again the gallery owners guide you in many ways. Location is everything with galleries and they know what does and what does not appeal their clients.

Challenges and Evolution:
What challenges have you encountered as a watercolour artist, and how have you overcome them?

The biggest challenge with watercolours is understanding how to apply paint, how much pigment to use, how to feel a painting, how to use brushes to their best effect and not to be afraid to experiment. This all comes with practice, practice, practice! The same as any other occupation or hobby. 

Over the years, how has your style or approach evolved? Are there new themes or techniques you're currently exploring? 

I think that there is a rekindled interest in the old skills, such as watercolours, I guess we are rebelling a bit against the like of AI where numbers mean more than feelings.  

Click here to find out more about Keith's work and view more examples of his work