Terry Harrison became interested in art early on, attending Art School at the age of sixteen. His studies led to a career in graphics, then he became an illustrator, developing his own painting style and perfecting his techniques during evenings and weekends. Demand grew for his paintings and he soon gave up his 'day job' to paint full time. Now he is kept constantly busy with a full schedule of exhibitions, private commissions, demonstrations and painting holidays. His fine art prints are sold in shops and galleries everywhere. Terry is an energetic and prolific painter and his regular re-bookings for demonstrations reflect an enthusiastic response to his educational and entertaining style.
An Interview with Terry
Where were you born?
I was born in Wendover, my father was in the RAF and stationed nearby.
What is your educational background?
Coming from a service family we moved around the country from camp to camp, so after thirteen different schools I ended up going to The Farnham School of Art.
What first got you interested in art?
From an early age I had an aptitude for art, drawing and painting seemed to come easy, whereas the other subjects didn't.
How long have you been painting?
I have always painted. I began selling paintings when I was still at school, these sales helped to fund my time at art school.
Where do you get your materials?
I collect my paints and stuff from all over, sometimes if I'm lucky I get 'freebies' from sponsors and other times I buy my materials from the high street like any other artist.
How/Where did Search Press discover you?
My first contact with Search Press was with Roz Dace, the commissioning editor (as she was then) at one of the many Stitching and Hobbycraft shows I used to exhibit at. I was pretty hard to miss! As I always had a crowd of keen would-be artists watching my demonstrations.
What were your first thoughts when asked to write a book?
Roz asked me to write a book called 'How to lay a watercolour wash' but I had to use ordinary brushes and not my own unique range of brushes so the first book offer I had, I actually turned down!
Has publishing a book changed your life in anyway?
After leaving my 'day job' as an illustrator for yellow pages I painted full time selling my paintings through galleries in Hampshire & Surrey. I was very successful and made a good living at it, but I was only known in the South East. Now with my books I can reach a wider audience throughout the country and indeed the world! With books translated into various languages. So yes my books have changed my life, I am almost famous!
Any tips for beginners?
Yes, buy my book - Terry's Top Tips, no seriously buy the best quality materials you can afford, never buy cheap.
What is your favourite art tool?
My favourite is my Golden Leaf Brush, its a 1" flat brush made from bristle and hair, when the brush is wet, the hair part of the brush curls, this seperates the bristles and makes it look like a tired old brush - just right for painting large washes, skies & textures. Perfect for painting trees.
Have you travelled for your craft?
I have travelled all over the country doing painting demonstrations and workshops for art clubs and societies. I have exhibited and demonstrated in all the major cities in the UK. Also painting holidays in France and now, workshops in the USA keep me very busy.
Where does your inspiration come from?
I love painting, my favourite subject is landscape, so when I am travelling around I am always looking for inspiration. Every view is a potential painting or a project for a new book.
