• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Go to Expat Living Hong Kong
Get our Newsletter

Lifestyle Guide To Moving To & Living in Singapore - Expat Living HomepageLifestyle Guide To Moving To & Living in Singapore - Expat Living

Moving to Singapore and not sure where to start? Expat Living is the essential lifestyle guide to living in Singapore.

Login Pelcro Shop

Menu
  • Living in Singapore
      • Living here
      • Property
      • Neighbourhood Guides
      • Work & Finance
        • White Room photography studio in SingaporePortrait photography in Singapore: the best studios in town
        • stamp duty investing in property5 Reasons to Invest in Property in Sunny Spain!
        • Costa Rhu: Jyoti’s spacious & central Tanjong Rhu condo
        • Shop dress shoes for men in SingaporeDress shoes for men – finding the perfect pair in Singapore
      • View all
    Close
  • Things To Do
      • Things to do
      • EL Events
      • Calendar
      • Competitions
      • Noticeboard
        • solo exhibition in singaporeAmazing 3D-style artwork by Zhuang Hong Yi
        • VIP Glamourous Giving Sep 2023What’s on this week and beyond
        • Sailing Yacht Charter in SingaporeLuxury yacht rentals in Singapore
        • Where to watch the F1 2023 and party!
      • View all
    Close
  • Kids
      • Enrichment
      • Kids Things To Do
      • Mums & Babies
      • Schools
      • Tots & Toddlers
      • Tweens & Teens
        • White Room photography studio in SingaporePortrait photography in Singapore: the best studios in town
        • Nexus International School Singapore digital learning and managementCoding languages starts early at this school
        • early learning centre on holland roadSJI International opens a new preschool on Holland Road
        • Centre Stage performing arts and drama classes in SingaporeTop ballet, dance and drama classes in Singapore
      • View all
    Close
  • Homes
      • Furniture & Décor
      • Real Homes
        • solo exhibition in singaporeAmazing 3D-style artwork by Zhuang Hong Yi
        • Looking for the best outdoor furniture in Singapore?
        • Where to buy antiques or vintage furniture – Reviews
        • Modern interior design with a touch of tradition!
      • View all
    Close
  • Travel
      • Australasia
      • Rest Of The World
        • stamp duty investing in property5 Reasons to Invest in Property in Sunny Spain!
        • Indonesia travel - where to stay in BaliIndonesia travel – Where to stay in Bali & island resorts
        • Sailing Yacht Charter in SingaporeLuxury yacht rentals in Singapore
        • Beach Villas Wakatobi Indonesian island resort6 Reasons to Book These Beach Villas!
      • View all
    Close
  • Wine & Dine
      • Asian Cuisine
      • Western Cuisine
      • Bars & Clubs
      • Groceries & Speciality Services
      • Recipes & Classes
        • Oktoberfest 2023 singapore - the places for food and beerHow to celebrate Oktoberfest 2023 in Singapore
        • Deviate wine bar in Dempsey Hill - we chat to owner Joe Keats of Petersons WinesThis Dempsey bar is a best-kept secret!
        • Crossroads cafe at Orchard - where to eat in Orchard Road - alfresco dining SingaporeTry alfresco dining & happy hour at this café at Orchard Road
        • The best birthday cakes in Singapore
      • View all
    Close
  • Style & Beauty
      • Fashion
      • Hair & Beauty
        • sensitive skin moisturiser skincare steps productsTried & Tested: Sensitive skin moisturisers, serums & more!
        • Shop dress shoes for men in SingaporeDress shoes for men – finding the perfect pair in Singapore
        • Six shades full set Bigen Men Beard ColorDye your beard like an expert – at home!
        • Tiffany Cook and Caroline Chin Geyler from T&C Gemstones and JewelleryBespoke jewellery created by a pair of gem lovers!
      • View all
    Close
  • Health & Fitness
      • Dental
      • Fitness
      • Medical
      • Wellness
        • allergic rhinitis, allergy medication and insuranceFast facts about allergies, their symptoms and insurance
        • art therapy depression treatmentNavigating depression with Experiential Therapy
        • The best personal trainers and personal training gyms in SingaporeWhere to go for personal trainers in Singapore
        • Sport clubs in SingaporeWant to join a sports team?
      • View all
    Close
  • Shop
    • PRINT MAGAZINE
    • DIGITAL MAGAZINE
    • Close

Landscape paintings now on show in Singapore

10th May 2021 by Rebecca Bisset 4 Min Read

https://expatliving.sg/landscape-paintings-in-singapore-by-australian-artist/

I know that all art is personal, but I do find these landscape paintings by Australian artist PETER WATTS very peaceful. Peter lives in Melbourne and has exhibited his work at REDSEA Gallery in Dempsey since June 2020. The way different artists work is also very personal, so I asked him about his background, his creative process and his inspiration.

How has your background in design and your experience as a creative director shaped you as an Australian artist today?

Painting, like design, is visual communication – an idea or story expressed in imagery. I was always interested in creating images, whether it was via design, painting, photography, print making or drawing. I drew a lot as a child and always loved painting, but as I grew up I saw a more reliable financial future in graphic design. I had really good teachers around me who also pushed design as a means for employment. Becoming a creative designer and owning a design business with my wife Helen for over 30 years did build a financial foundation for me. Now I do what I really loved as a child: paint.

landscape paintings by australian artist peter watts

Tell us more about your artwork process; what’s the most challenging part of these landscape paintings?

I never have a specific starting point. For me, a basic composition plan and spontaneity are the key things. The process starts with the clouds composition. Are they dark or light? Are they grey, blue or warm tones? Once I’ve laid them down, I sit and study how the light from within these clouds will affect a landscape. I just let it happen. Blocking in with rough colour helps me see the land appearing before me.

I always home in on weather events that are fleeting and hard to capture in the real world. I have the freedom with paint to be the author of unpredictable, dramatic and sometimes breathtaking weather events. Paint can be moved, layered or brushed to build up contrasting tones that tell a story of light and shade, landscape artistry and mystique. The real challenge is to visually convince and excite the viewer of this fleeting moment.

How long does it take to complete your landscape paintings, and do you work on multiple pieces at a time?

A typical painting takes less time than you think; however, it’s taken me 10 years to learn how to achieve a result in a short time. Fast-drying acrylic paint helps with the speed and spontaneity.

landscape paintings by australian artist peter watts

Which painting from your portfolio do you best feel represents you as a person?

I haven’t painted it yet. I’m still experimenting and searching. Having said that, I do have two works in my home that I will probably never sell. “Drenched” is one of them. Dark is my thing. (Don’t worry, my mind is bright!) I can create contrast and movement with dark and light a lot more than with clear, bright colours.

How has your painting style and the way you express yourself artistically changed since you started painting?

I’ve always painted landscapes and probably always will. I started out with a more abstract approach. Over the years, I have slowly ventured into reality, but I still like to leave parts of the work dark and mysterious. Sometimes it’s about what you don’t see that creates intrigue.

How do you envision your portfolio of works in the next year and five years on?

That’s hard to answer. As an artist, I don’t have a plan; I experiment and see what happens as I go. Sometimes I surprise myself.

What inspires you in your day-to-day life?

Failure. The road to success has failure bumps. You must learn from these. Never give up, and stick to what your heart tells you. Of course, feedback, high praise and continually selling work are a great inspiration, but they should never lead to complacency.

Which artists have played a role in influencing your style?

As a student, I was always intrigued by the Heidelberg School artists: Streeton, Withers, Roberts, McCubbin and so on. John Glover was an earlier interest with his English looking eucalyptus; later, I discovered Constable, Turner and the like. I have been lucky enough to frequent many of the great galleries of the world to view many of these amazing works in person.

landscape paintings by australian artist
Dreamy Evening

Can you share with us what makes you happy?

Happiness is built from having a healthy, loving and supportive family. If you’re lucky enough to have this, then happiness spreads throughout all that you do. (I’m also pretty happy when a painting sells!)

What has been your most exciting lockdown discovery?

Me.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given, not just in art but in life?

I’ve had some good advice throughout my life:

  •  You will only do something well if you enjoy it.
  • If you don’t ask you won’t get. (But ask politely.)
  • If you don’t win, try harder next time.
  • If you create something you don’t particularly like, it’s likely no one else will like it either.

The best advice? Be honest and ethical in all you do and you’ll live life with a clear conscience.

What advice would you give to somebody who wants to make a living from art?

Make sure you have a day job! I wouldn’t recommend intentionally going out to make a living from art. Art is an expression of one’s self. Paint, draw or scratch what you like for yourself. Don’t do it for any other reason. I think making it a hobby first is better. If what you create appeals to others, then sell it if you wish. If you can sell enough to make a living, then make it your day job!

australian artist peter watts

Do you ever seek opinions on your landscape paintings before it’s finished?

I used to ask. I will be working on a piece and my wife Helen will walk in and bluntly tell me, “Oh no, that part on the bottom right is definitely not working.” Same day, my son Christopher will walk in and tell me the opposite, “Oh yeah, I love what’s happening bottom right!” So, I don’t ask anymore. When I’m happy, it’s finished. What is your career highlight and future goal as an artist? Career highlight: being a Glover Prize finalist for 2021. Future goal: to become a notable Australian landscape artist would be nice!

To see Australian Artist, Peter Watt’s landscape paintings at REDSEA Gallery, visit block 9 Dempsey Road, #01-10 Dempsey Hill. 6732 6711 | redseagallery.com

 

This article first appeared in the May 2021 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!

Categories: Furniture & Decor Homes Things To Do Tags: australian artist landscape paintings peter watts red sea gallery

Rebecca Bisset

Heading up Expat Living, Rebecca started off in photography and video. A bit of a nomad before Singapore, she likes to travel when she can but she finds looking at properties as exciting!

You May Also Like

Sailing Yacht Charter in Singapore

Luxury yacht rentals in Singapore

Modern interior design with a touch of tradition!

One Rishta - a website for happiness and culture in Singapore from Rituparna sengupta

A new way to access creativity and culture in Singapore!

Primary Sidebar

  • Competitions
  • Noticeboard
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • advertise
  • Contact
  • Privacy

© 2023 Expat Living Singapore, All Rights Reserved.