Steve Dodd:
Island City Views
We think Steve really captures the feel of the places he’s painting with just a few confident brushstrokes!
We asked the artist…
I am responding to my experience of Portsmouth. Places I love, experiences I remember. Matisse said, “Exactitude is not the truth”, so I try to capture what the subject I’m painting means to me, rather than something the camera on my phone can do better.
What inspires you?
I was born in Festing Grove and have lived in Pompey for most of my life. When I paint, I want to paint all the places that matter to me, from Southsea seafront to Farlington Marshes, from Spice Island to Portsdown Hill.
What materials do you generally use?
A neighbour gave me a box of old oil paints. They were so dried out that I had to use pliers to open the tubes, but right away I felt comfortable with this medium. Preferably painted on a bit of old hardboard that I can rest on my knees.
What’s been your favourite project to work on so far?
Recently, I have concentrated on Old Portsmouth, where I’m lucky enough to share a studio with the Fire Monkeys. There are so many places to paint there, that I have really enjoyed finding inspiration around the Hotwalls.
What are you currently working on?
I have just begun a series of paintings about the places I miss visiting around Portsmouth.
Where can we find more of your work?
I regularly update what I’m doing on Instagram (@stevedodd_artist) and always respond to DMs, plus my website (stevedoddfineart.com) includes a contact page.