William's Corner

Van Gogh at the National Gallery, a London bakery/restaurant and 2024 round-up

William Watson-West, The Fire Inside, acrylic on canvas, 40 x 50 cm

All Things Arty

Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers at the National Gallery

It’s rare that you get to see so many of Van Gogh’s most famous paintings in one place. In fact, the National Gallery’s Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers is described as a once-in-a-century exhibition with paintings gathered from galleries and private collections across the world. The extraordinary Portrait of a Peasant (Patience Escalier) (1888) having never been loaned ever before, it’s unlikely that all these works will be seen together again in this context and so I was lucky to be able to see this now-sold-out show.

I have to confess that I’ve previously struggled with Van Gogh’s work but this exhibition truly opened my eyes. Standing in front of some of these famous paintings I saw them in a new light and there were instances where I was almost overcome with emotion. There is a raw pain and melancholy that nearly all his works seem to evoke. Paintings such as The Park of the Hospital at St Rémy (1889) and Landscape from Saint Rémy (Wheatfield behind Saint-Paul Hospital) (1889) expressed something much deeper than pure aesthetics. Perhaps my current research into German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer (more on that later) has subliminally affected me where he describes how great art transcends ordinary perception to reveal deeper truths about existence in subjects and scenes that can seem mundane. Van Gogh’s genius is the way he was able to convey such deep emotions and truths through his storytelling and extraordinary use of colour. (It’s worth noting that you really need to see his paintings in person to get the full impact of their depth and colour - my photographs simply don’t do them justice.)

Van Gogh, The Park of the Hospital at St Rémy, 1889, oil on canvas

The exhibition itself chronicles a lesser known side to Van Gogh, that of “an intellectual artist of lucid intention, deliberation and great ambition” (National Gallery) and it is exceptionally well presented. With examples of his meticulous drawings and works on paper supporting his more famous oils it was clear how much thought went into his work.

I was particularly taken by the bold choice of wall colours which had clearly been chosen with great consideration and which really made the exhibition sing. There is limited text on the walls unlike many other exhibitions (more details can be read in the exhibition booklet), and so the visitor is very much invited to view these paintings for what they are. A few intriguing and thought-provoking quotations are scattered throughout and they are just enough to get you thinking about the context of the work on show.

Seeing these paintings was deeply moving and thought-provoking and despite the clear sadness a lot of the paintings evoke, it was inspiring to witness how powerful painting can be.

Van Gogh, Landscape from Saint Rémy (Wheatfield behind Saint-Paul Hospital), 1889, oil on canvas

Foodie Musings

My fifth foodie musing is a local bakery and restaurant.

Jolene, Newington Green, London

Amongst other foodie things, London has become increasingly known for its artisan bakeries. Jolene is one such bakery that has also gained a repuation as a restaurant, and fortunately for me, only ten minutes away in Newington Green.

First and foremost it is a bakery selling freshly-made and delicious bread and pastries, now with two other locations in Islington and Shoreditch. The coffee is excellent, as are their daily-changing sandwiches; a chicken salad in focaccia a stand-out favourite. I call them treat sandwiches as they are definitely on the pricy side! Their cinnamon roll is a thing of beauty (especially if you’ve got a sweet tooth!) and the chocolate Guinness cake is rich and moreish.

Whilst the building is not the most attractive from the outside (the ground floor of a block of flats), the interior is spacious, warm and inviting with neutral tones and an industrial edge. It’s a great place both for a light lunch or romantic evening meal and the menu changes regularly, with in-house pasta dishes often taking centre stage amongst other small plates of deliciousness.

Fresh, seasonal produce is used as much as possible with often a vegetable-centric theme. A beetroot, citrus and goat’s curd salad peppered with capers really showcased what high quality ingredients can do when treated with care and something as simple as their freshly baked bread and salted butter is worthy of a visit in its own right.

Their minimal-waste-approach to cooking is also admirable, with even the residual wheat husks from their inhouse milled flour being returned to the farms they came from to be incorporated into animal feed.

Jolene is a very popular spot so it’s definitely worth booking, but they do try to keep a few spaces back for walk-ins too if you’re feeling lucky. And if you’re in the area, let me know and you can always tie it in with popping into my studio after!

Inspiration Update/Christmas Round-up

As another year approaches its end I thought I’d look back on my year and give you an idea of what to expect from me in the New year as well.

I’m really pleased with all the lovely feedback I’ve had about my newsletter and you’ll be pleased to hear that I aim to continue this format next year.

It’s taken me a while, but this year I have really settled into my London studio. I’ve produced what I consider some of my most successful work to date and finally feel more comfortable working on a larger scale, something I’ve been progressing towards for a long time.

Next year is going to be a big year for me as aside from hosting more Art + Wine events in some exciting new locations and continuing to push my painting in new directions, I am also getting married in May!

There is lots to plan and it looks set to be a busy but exciting year ahead. 

Recent Work

I’ve had to postpone the official online launch of my latest collection, Remedies for Despair, but I’ve uploaded a few pieces to my website and there are a couple featured above; I'd love to hear your thoughts.

I've also been busy working on an exciting project with a new gallery called Blank Studio Gallery. I previously mentioned the philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer, and this project is inspired by his writings on will and aesthetics. It's been fascinating for me to have this new point of reference and I look forward to showing you the finished work early next year.

Whilst my official cut-off for Christmas deliveries has now passed, digital versions of my Painting Answers can still be ordered online as a unique and exciting last minute present.

"Painting Answers"

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Stay Up to Date

If you've enjoyed reading my newsletter please do forward it on to anyone who might be interested.

Thank you to all my readers and collectors for your continued support; I am sending you every good wish for Christmas and the New Year.

Very best wishes,

William

William's Corner

Expressionists at The Tate, a special restaurant and a unique gift idea

William Watson-West, Run, acrylic on canvas, 80 x 100 cm

All Things Arty

Expressionists: Kandinsky, Münter and the Blue Rider at The Tate Modern

With a focus on the avant-garde Munich expressionists of the early 20th century, this was a fascinating exhibition. Known as The Blue Rider (Der Blaue Reiter) this group of artists led by Wassily Kandinsky and Gabriel Münter marked an important moment in art history and I was keen to learn more.

I wasn’t 100% sold on the curators’ interpretation of some of the work and I found parts of the accompanying text slightly presumptive and unnecessary, but the exhibition is beautifully displayed and informative.

Gabriele Münter, Listening (Portrait of Jawlensky), 1909, oil on card

I was particularly drawn to Münter’s paintings and her use of colour: Listening (Portrait of Jawlensky), 1909, a favourite. In contrast, I have always found Kandinsky’s colours slightly jarring, but reading about his and others’ interest in colour theory and his relation with poetry, sound and synaesthesia, the exhibition resonated with me. In one room two pieces of music by modernist composer Arnold Schoenberg play whilst you view Kandinsky’s Impression III (Concert) - a direct response to a Schoenberg concert (listen here); Kandinsky was overcome by how the compositions were exactly what he had been trying to portray through his paintings. I found this fascinating as it’s something I’ve been touching upon in my own recent work; there are certain pieces of music that I listen to that seem like the musical equivalent of what I am painting.

The exhibition was very enlightening and it was especially compelling given much of the art’s pre-First World War Germany context. A fantastic visualisation of this key moment in art history, it was clear to see the transition from late impressionism to expressionism and its influence on future and coinciding movements such as futurism and abstract expressionism. I was struck by how much influence the Blue Rider group has had and also how much I could relate to the philosophical and spiritual subjects that the artists were absorbed by.

Wassily Kandinsky, Impression III (Concert), 1911, oil on canvas

Foodie Musings

My fourth foodie musing - a bit of a hidden gem.

The Water House Project, Bethnal Green, London

I was initially introduced to The Water House Project about five years ago when it was still in a supper club format. I was instantly hooked by chef Gabriel Waterhouse’s meticulous eye for detail and partner Trish’s warm, unflappable hospitality. The Waterhouse Project has gradually evolved to its current form with a more traditional restaurant format based in Bethnal Green in an open-plan, pared back, yet warm and comfortable industrial unit.

The execution is flawless, from the generous welcome drink to the seasonal and sustainably sourced ingredients transformed into delicious menus. A carefully curated drinks pairing really elevates the food to a new level. The modern British tasting menu changes with the seasons and often includes pickles, ferments and preserves from previous seasons’ foragings, all beautifully brought together by someone with a clearly creative eye. I loved the in-house butter that included some of the buttermilk adding an extra tang to the freshly baked bread. A tomato dish with fermented strawberries and nasturtium flowers looked almost too beautiful to eat but it was worth it when I did. Another dish I’ll always remember from a few years ago is whisky ice cream served on a frozen pebble - it transported me straight to Scotland.

With so many evocative flavours and with such exceptional flair, this is another special restaurant and a bit of a hidden gem in London’s fine dining scene.

Inspiration Update

The transition from summer to autumn has become one of my favourite times of year with the long shadows of the evenings and the colours changing by the day as the leaves begin to turn. I actually associate it with fresh starts - probably stemming from the traditional school year - and it usually coincides with a return from summer holidays feeling invigorated and ready to crack on with new projects. I’ve just returned from a week in Portugal and a week in the Scottish Highlands; quite the contrast in locations but both inspiring in their own rights. The colours where I stayed in the Algarve were stunning with sunshine yellows, swimming pool blues and dappled sunlight through the carob tree. In contrast, the purple heathers and browns and moss greens of The Highlands were equally as inspiring; being somewhere so isolated and quiet was the perfect respite from the bustle and pace of London life.

Recent Work

My first ART + WINE event with fellow artist Kate Morrison, proved a great success - you can read more about it here.

In one of my favourite local wine bars, dan's, we featured a selection of paintings alongside wines that we'd paired with them creating a unique and exciting way of viewing our work.

The next ART + WINE event will be the second week in November where I'll also be launching my next collection (exact date TBC). I’ll let you know more details very soon but here's a teaser of some of my new paintings:

***UPDATE For various reasons we had to postpone our second ART + WINE event - the next one will be in the New Year.***

In other news I'm thrilled to have work with a new gallery in Yorkshire - The Limes. They'll be representing me online as well as having paintings at their fab new location in Weeton, near Harrogate.

On a final note, as we're quickly approaching the festive season I thought I'd remind you of my bespoke Painting Answers project that makes a special and truly unique gift. Check it out below for more details.

"Painting Answers"

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ART + WINE

Reviewing the first Art + Wine event!

Inspired by a shared passion for painting and wine, William Watson-West and Kate Morrison’s first ART + WINE event took place in a buzzing dan’s wine bar on a hot August Wednesday night. The joint showcase of recent work by Kate and William alongside a selection of wines from parched curated to go alongside the paintings proved a tremendous success and an exciting new concept.

Kate and William have been on similar paths; both with a background in textile design, both having moved to London from the north of England in the last few years and now working from neighbouring studios in Stoke Newington.

“We quickly realised that we had similar ambitions with our practice and what better way to start a collaboration than with an art and wine night.” William

William’s featured paintings included work from his recent project “Hope: Answers for Loss” and upcoming series “Remedies for Despair”. Both projects use painting as an outlet for emotions and a way of dealing with subjects that are often hard to put into words. Working in an almost flow state, his instinctive way of painting results in works with a raw energy that is palpable to the viewer.

“When I paint, I am baring my soul and my vulnerabilities. It may not be obvious due to the largely abstract nature of my work, but I encourage my viewers to stare into my paintings and let their own emotions flow, and almost open up and confide in each piece.” William

Kate’s work was taken from her THREE LANDS collection which records the connection

between three different places in the UK. Having been living and travelling between central London, Newlyn in Cornwall and the Lake District for the last year the project gathers inspiration that has overlayed and merged in her mind creating a range of abstracted works that express an emotional response to the places she’s stayed and journeys between destinations.

“Drawing inspiration from the peripheral spaces in everyday life, I'm drawn to these overlooked corners and details as they crave your attention, yet few peer behind the veil into their hidden worlds. This collection is playful, using materials to push the boundaries and fragility of the lines - visible, emotive and historic.” Kate

As wine-making has become more creative, there are some clear similarities with the creation of art and the emotional aspect involved. When you talk to modern-day wine producers they often talk with a sense of poetry about their craft and in some cases view what they are doing as an art-form in its own right. There is love, passion and raw energy that goes into their production, often trying to create something more than just a drink; something that connects with a place or captures a moment in time.

Pairing the paintings to the wines proved an interesting concept with Kate and William approaching it from slightly different angles.

The pairings were as follows:

Orange: Somos, ’Los Melones’ Dinámicos, Viognier, Australian

“I paired my painting, “Run”, with Somos’ Los Melones Dinámicos, an Australian orange wine with an interesting backstory. It was unlike any orange wine I’d tried before and as soon as I tasted it I knew it was a match for my painting. Made by a Mexican producer from viognier, unusual for a skin contact wine, it exuded playfulness with a funky tropical edge. 

“Run” was painted with a raw energy as I tapped into childhood memories of playing in my parents’ woodland garden and building dens in the hot sun. The wine had a sense of freedom about it and so does my painting.” William

William Watson-West, Run, Acrylic on canvas, 2024

‘THE best orange wine I have ever tasted! You must try this!’ Its aesthetics are just as colourful and happy as its flavour profile. It's joyous and juicy, giving you hints of melon and fresh apricot on the tongue - it dances around your senses! But that’s not all, it's unique in its production, Viognier a white wine grape variety famously grown in Southern France is being made in Australia by an Australian-Mexican duo, Ben Caldwell and Mauricio Ruiz Cantú, they are shaking up the wine industry. 

“I paired this wine with my painting ‘SALT. STRAND. PARK.’ A piece from the collection ‘The Mundane Spaces Between Us’  These works are layered paintings, constructed with  sheer voile, silk and translucent layers suspended to create the final artwork. This was the painting of choice to pair with this wine because the duo have a rule breaking edge to their wines and it embodies how my paintings are constructed.” Kate

As the wine flowed, other options included a Morgon by Domaine Georges Descombes - a chilled red perfect for a summer evening; a crisp, floral Riesling from Australia’s Adelaide Hills region synonymous with exceptional wine-making and a skin contact blend from Spain.

Chilled Red: Domaine Georges Descombes, Morgon, Gamay, France 2022

This was the most traditional and deep wine we had on the wine pairing list. It's a beautifully fruity and refreshing red with a great depth of concentrated flavour.

“Tradition meets chaos. For me this wine started to resonate even more when I heard about the man behind it. A true artist - eclectic and 100% authentically himself. Megan from Dan's wine described the amazing time she had at the vineyard and experiencing the whirlwind that is Georges Descombes.

I paired this wine with one of my large scale 100x100cm paintings called ‘THREE LANDS’, the catalyst for my recent collection. These paintings record a huge amount of information and at initial glance bombard you with the chaos of my inner monologue - I really felt akin to Georges Descombes' process of making wine. “ Kate

“What I feel is one of my most successful paintings to date, ‘Anguish’ was my choice to pair with this wine. As Kate intimates, Georges Descombes is quite a character and hearing about his wine-making process, “Anguish” seemed apt. I love the idea that a wine can be borne from similar challenges and emotions to those my paintings are motivated by.” William

White: Worlds Apart, 'In The Flowers', Riesling, Australia 2023

“Gorgeous! This was love at first sip. Light, fresh and perfect for the hot weather we are currently having. I instantly felt the ‘I’m on holiday enjoying the sun on my shoulders vibe’ there is simply no messing with it which is why I paired it with my bold composition  of ‘INSTITUTION BREAKERS’ this painting is from the collection ‘STEADFAST’ which draws on feelings of familiarity and home, painting in a flow state of repetition each mark holding a powerful form.” Kate

“The acid pop of this wine, synonymous with riesling, seemed the perfect pairing for ‘Beyond Reach’, a painting that has a pop of pink against green, one of my favourite colour combinations. I enjoyed playing with the senses and it’s something I’m keen to push further.” William

William Watson-West, Beyond Reach, acrylic on linen board, 2024

Orange: Tanca Els Ulls, 'La Lleona', Cartoixà de Marina, Spain 2022

“This is a well bodied deep ‘skinsy’ orange wine. The initial smell and hit of flavour is from a process called reduction in the wine where the bottling / corking process allows for a slight activation and sparkle to happen making it ‘salty’. 

This is a beautiful wine that I paired with my painting ‘STORM. WOVEN. SHIP.’ A piece from my collection ‘SUBLIMINAL’ the neutral and calm colour palette struck me when taking my first sip of ‘La Lleona’ as the depth and unusual nature instantly connected to the ethereal nature of my painting. - Delicious with Parma Ham wrapped around a Crostini!” Kate

“When I tasted ‘La Lleona’ I immediately thought of my painting, Longing. Part of my ‘Remedies for Despair’ collection, I painted it in an almost flow state; something I talked about in my previous blog post. Something about this wine just worked with the painting. It’s hard to put into words why (which is why you need to try some of our pairings next time!), but it was such an interesting experience how the flavours stimulated parts of our brains that must be quite similar to the visual stimulus of my paintings.” William

There is a synergy between art and wine that is more than just a welcome drink at an exhibition preview and ART & WINE demonstrates that. After the resounding success of this first event, you can expect more to come in the not too distant future.