New Year profile for Hartlepool abstract artist

Published Monday, 8th January 2018

THERE’S an opportunity for art lovers to explore large-scale, abstract canvas paintings by Hartlepool artist Andrew Watt when a new exhibition of his work opens in the town.

Called ‘The Art of Colour and Detail’, the exhibition is at Hartlepool Art Gallery in Church Square from Saturday 20 January to Saturday 17 March. Entry is free and the paintings will be for sale.

Passionate about art since he was a child, Andrew Watt has built a successful career as a graphic designer and, for the last nine years, also as a professional artist, creating many paintings including private commissions for individuals and businesses.

His style is inspired by his longstanding love of abstract art – he has always been mesmerised by the abstract detail in the work of artists such as Turner, Constable, Picasso, Mark Rothko, Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning and, more recently, Jake Attree, Damien Hirst and Gerhard Richter.

Andrew Watt

Andrew Watt

He says: “I enjoy painting on a large scale the best, using a number of different techniques, building up layers and washes of bold colour.

“Starting with a general idea or inspiration, I enjoy watching each painting evolve, seeing how the strong bold washes of colours merge with each other to form interesting small details within the painting.”

Using a number of different techniques all his paintings are unique and take about 15-20 days to complete in his Tees Valley studio.

He adds: “Throughout all of my work there exist the core elements of vibrant colour, bold shapes and strong composition to create colourful and energetic modern abstract paintings.”

Hartlepool Art Gallery is open Tuesdays to Saturdays (excluding bank holidays) from 10am to 5pm.