Handicraft Magazine Spring 2014 | Page 9

Crafts in your area “Ever since I’ve taken steps to become an artist, my visual perception has sharpened. I see the way that the light lands on objects, which part of it is shadow and which part of it isn’t.” Phil has always enjoyed the craft of painting, especially trees. He claims that painting shouldn’t have to rely on the art world to be something special. “My favourite subject when it comes to painting is trees. They don’t stand anywhere in the art world but that doesn’t matter. I enjoy them and if someone buys one of my paintings that is because they would enjoy it too. This is why I do portrait commissions for people who want a picture of themselves or a group of people they know to simply enjoy looking at it.” Phil Coates further believes that painting and drawing gives their own personal benefits to those who take it up as a hobby or craft. “Ever since I’ve taken steps to become an artist, my visual perception has sharpened. I see the way that the light lands on objects, which part of it is shadow and which part of it isn’t. I believe it is because of this that I appreciate what I see more.” Phil commented on how this is simply acquired through the act of drawing and practising. “You can simply experiment by drawing an object that is around your house on a piece of paper. It doesn’t have to be a masterpiece. See if you notice a difference in the qualit