Meet the author: Hazel Lale

Hazel is an artist who is attracted to themes which allow her to break free of outlines with energy and capture her imagination. She travels widely and has exhibited in major galleries, including London's Mall Galleries, Alexandra Palace and elsewhere.

An Interview with Hazel Lale

Where were you born?

Newark Notts

What is your educational background?

BA. Hons Fine Art.

How long have you been painting?

Age seven ... first prize. Continued throughout the remainder of my life.... various school prizes and then onto Art College.

I have been painting and drawing for as long as I can remember.  

Where do you get your materials?

The one thing that has been invaluable to me was the Fine Arts Degree and the doctrine of you can use anything to make an image i.e. industrial paints to well known labels. I do have a preference to Golden Paints for expensive commissions. I use Bird and Davis to make canvas commissions.

How/Where did Search Press discover you?

I was approached initially at Patchings Art Convention.

What were your first thoughts when asked to write a book?

Thrilled to pieces when Search Press asked me to write a book... I love sharing information.

Has publishing a book changed your life in any way?

Publishing a book has changed my life in many ways. At last I was able to share some of the ways I think and paint with a wider audience. It has given more credibility to the way I share information with customers at home and abroad.

Any tips for beginners?

A classic drawing course is hugely useful and then keep drawing/sketching. Allow yourself to make mistakes. There is always something else to learn and observe.

What is your favourite art tool?

A flat two inch watercolour brush that I discovered and bought in China town London about 25 years ago. Over a period of time has led me onto buying various sizes of this type of brush.

Have you travelled for your art?

I travel frequently for work to California USA.

Where does your inspiration come from?

Twenty four hours a day is in constant observation and curiosity mode. The latter is a way of life. Fascination of people and my environment encompasses, interior design and the latest colours and how that crosses over to painting. Abandoned buildings through to sitting in a almost empty space in a cinema against people in a crowd. Faraway destinations... it is all fascinating and provides images for potential paintings.