Amongst The Berries

 Kieron Williamson | Oil on Board | 7 x 5 inches 

About the painting:

“My father and I went to an auction at Glandford, Norfolk just before Christmas, while we were waiting for our lots to come up, we went for a drive and chanced upon some hawthorn trees which were absolutely full of berries and alive with blackbirds. We returned a couple of days later, on a more favourable afternoon weather wise, a frost that lingered in the lows all day and a bright, crisp, winter light. For almost two hours my father and I stood, almost motionless, by Wiveton Bridge waiting to get the right shot. Every time a blackbird landed on the bush, a car would come, scaring them off for several minutes until they plucked up the courage to come back and the process would be repeated time and time again. Finally, there was a break in traffic and our dogged persistence paid off. This little chap sat so contentedly amongst the berries; he was almost posing for me!” Kieron

The medium:

“The one medium that I have found the most challenging is oil. For years I knew absolutely nothing about this medium, despite having three introductory lessons at age six!

It is only through trial and error, coupled with extensive research online, that I have finally found a way of working that suits me.
If I had to use only one medium for the rest of my life, I would most definitely use oil. I love the historic importance of them, the rich smell of the paint and the fact that no matter what the subject, the medium is suitable … it is just so diverse.
I could use a glazing technique and my work could look flawless and soft with no visible brushstrokes, or heavy impasto layered on a canvas with a palette knife with paint straight from the tube. I love that fact that I can do absolutely anything with it, whatever the subject needs to be captured and whatever way I feel like working.” Kieron