Wirral arts: Career change for Spital artist pays off

Dec 19 2012 by Linda Foo Guest, Birkenhead News

A WIRRAL artist who turned professional a few years ago uses the natural world as his inspiration.

Since retiring five years ago William Coventry has enjoyed his dream job as a professional artist and is busier than ever creating majestic work.

William described his paintings as abstract expressionism – but said the viewer always knows what the subject matter is.

Currently he is the artist-in-residence at the Stables Gallery in Brimstage, where visitors can see him working away.

He also has a dozen acrylic paintings on display there.

William, of Spital, said: “I draw inspiration from the natural world and animals.

“Although my work is abstract expressionism, when people view my work they can tell what it is supposed to be.

“I use vivid colours – lots of reds, yellows and orange. I apply ‘splash painting’ technique, a term other people gave me – they recognise me as a ‘splash painter’.

“I picked up the technique when I worked in America 20 years ago and I then developed it.

“I have been the artist-in-residence at the Stables since August when I did a public mural. It was split in to 64 panels and people painted on them. The mural is now hung in the courtyard at Brimstage.

“I enjoy working at the gallery because it is a great place to chat about art in general, not just about my paintings.

“I prefer being at the gallery because you can become quite isolated in the studio.”

The 65-year-old began his career as a graphic designer, then was a design technology teacher at Wirral grammar school for girls before retiring to become a professional artist.

William, who is a member of Wirral Art Group, added: “It is great to finally do my dream job.”