DAS Member Interview - Lynn Kennedy

19 May

Lynn’s self-portrait as seen on Sky Arts

Lynn, how did you become interested in painting?

I had been working as an artist for a number of years but primarily on computer. I wanted to get back to a more hands on form of art.

I signed up to a beginner oil painting evening class and within a year and a half, painting was my full time job.

Do you have any art training?

I studied animation in college and have done a couple of evening and online classes

What other artists do you enjoy?

I tend to like artists that I come across online whose work shows some of their personality rather than an accurate representation of what they are drawing or painting. One of my favourite artists is Nicolas Uribe

Does creativity run in the family?

My grandmother was a painter and a photographer. I grew up surrounded by her work which had a big influence in my decision to study art.

Can you describe your artistic process?

I like work with a narrative so often think about what I want the painting to say before starting a layout. My initial reference will be worked out in photoshop first before I create a dilute monochrome sketch (if working in oils) or a light sketch if working with pencils

Tell us about your medium and why you chose it?

I do a lot of pencil drawings and use Polychromos pencils when drawing in colour. When I’m painting I like oils best because of how forgiving they are. I occasionally use watercolour in my illustration and design work but find the medium restrictive

Was it always painting or did you have another pursuit/job/career?

I have worked as an animator, illustrator, graphic designer, 3D modeller and photographer. I have found there to be a little crossover in skills between each discipline.

What inspires you to paint?

Often I will be inspired by other artists online but often it’s an idea that gets into my head that I want to try to emulate.

What does a perfect day painting look like for you?

A perfect painting day would be one alone with a painting I have chosen to do and am excited about, the cat asleep beside me and a true crime podcast playing.