Robin Souter spent 25 years working as a consultant general surgeon at Milton Keynes Hospital, but he has since swapped the precision of surgery for the freedom of a different sort of artistry, working with oils...
What fuels your creativity?
Mood/atmosphere, Nature, Sea
History
I was a consultant general surgeon in Milton Keynes Hospital from 1983 till I retired in 2008.
Some people have expressed surprise over what may at first seem opposing skills. The art of surgery is part discipline/precision and part feel/flair precisely the attributes of a visual artist.
I have exhibited widely in Buckinghamshire and London.
Most notably I have participated with a number of other creatives during Bucks art weeks at the Claydon house courtyard, Middle Claydon, Bucks.
I am the secretary of the Buckinghamshire art society and participate in their bi-annual show. I am also a member of the Medical art society and have exhibited in the Bedford street gallery and Woburn art beat.
The work that you are most proud of
I have many paintings which give me, (and hopefully my patrons) pleasure, but 'Abstract Waves' is certainly one of my favourites. (below)
Did you choose art, or did art choose you?
I think that art chose me. I was always drawing as a child and had early inspiration from my grandfather who was the interior designer for many palaces in India, most notably that in Mysore.
What remained of his work after they were bombed twice during the blitz was inspirational.
Highlights
My solo exhibition in the Claydon estate courtyard 2018. This was extremely well attended and over 20 paintings were sold, anf I was awarded the Peoples Prize for the most popular work at the annual Buckinghamshire art society show in both 2017 and 2018.
Three artists who have inspired you
Leonardo da Vinci. Arguably the greatest of all polymaths. His stunning drawings have never been surpassed and his contribution to our understanding of human anatomy invaluable.
When we consider his incredible range of achievements we can only hold his genius in awe.
Accurate drawing is fundamental although this lesson seems rather out of fashion! I would have loved being one of his pupils.
Picket Fence, by Robin Souter
Claude Monet. His groundbreaking understanding of colour and shade revolutionised landscape art. Nobody has surpassed this and his lessons are as relevant today as they were in the 19th century.
Joaquin Sorolla If any other artist has come close to Monet it is Sorolla – or arguably Whistler.
Both artists capture the vibrancy and mood of their subjects by masterly use of colour.
View my work;
By appointment in my studio in the Westbury art centre, Foxcovert Road, Shenley Wood, MK5 6AA.
This 17th century grade two listed building is a hidden gem and well worth a visit in its own right.
Do feel free to get in touch.
For more information click here email robin.souter@gmail.com or call 07802 288177
The Storm Has Passed, by Robin Souter
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