Artist of the month – October 2020

Toby Messer

What are you working on now?
I’m working on some small industrial scenes in my usual graphic style.  Namely, Battersea Power Station and it’s ever changing vistas.

How has lockdown affected your work?
In actuality it hasn’t affected my working practice, one bit.  I have been furloughed from my work at the ICA and it looks like the Gallery will be opening again in November. So basically, I have had lots of lovely time to paint and be creative.  

Recent technical discovery?
Well, it is a rediscovery really. And it is not actually that technical. My beloved brown masking tape. I use it for masking off areas, creating crisp black graphic lines and recently I have cut all manner of shapes out of it – like a stencil.  

Favourite artist?
Wow! That it is really difficult question.  It changes almost monthly and I don’t particularly have one favourite. I love David Hockney, Picasso, Egon Schieli, Lucien Freud, Bacon, Basquiat, Hopper, Titian.  I could go on and on.

Gallery or Museum?
I love the National Gallery, for me it is the daddy of them all and painting wise there are so many old friends there. And I really rather like the V & A, as they put on a marvellous David Bowie retrospective a number of years ago.

Colour you can’t do without?
I love Buff Titanium.  I use it a fair amount – it is a browny beige. But more importantly, I like the fact that it sounds like an action hero.

Plein air or studio?
By virtue of the fact that a great deal of my practice involves masking tape, scalpels and resists I would have to say, studio. However, recently I have really enjoyed the great outdoors.  

Barnes secret for an artist?
Should you go through Roehampton Gate and take a left, you will happen upon Beverley Brook. It is an oasis of calm and tranquillity, with plenty of light and shade and is marvellous to paint.

Favourite piece of kit?
Not really kit – as such but the black paint I use for priming a canvas. Or a scalpel. And I am rather partial to my French curves.    

What makes Barnes special to an artist?
A. There is plenty to paint and sketch. B. there is an ever growing band of like minded individuals and C. There are some accommodating and interesting galleries.

Next Show?
I am preparing myself for the St. Michael and All Angel’s Barnes Artist’s Show in November which will now be online. Also, I have a number of paintings in Cafe No: 40 and I have three pieces in the Boecho Gallery, Barnes.