The sound of calmly lapping water intertwines with the scuff, scuff, scuff and undecipherable chatter of people crossing a nearby bridge. They stop halfway, in the middle, and point at colourful boats bobbing up and down, or the reverse side of large hotel with basement submerged underwater. This is a typical scene in Venice. As is watching the light shimmer off the water’s surface, broken every now and again by a gondola sweeping by, its arched front and rear reaching skyward.
I have come across Jake Winkle’s work a number of times in different places, and I’m always drawn to the way he manages to reflect the serene, almost other-worldly atmosphere of Venice. His focus lies mainly on the light and movement within the city, and I’m sure you’ll agree that it captures it quite magnificently!
Your paintings have a unique, peaceful style to them. How did this develop?
My style evolved over years. It is a direct way of working in watercolour, using lost and found edges and exquisite colour and dynamic brush strokes.
Let’s talk about process. What steps do you take when creating each piece?
I sketch on location and usually paint in the studio. I choose subjects for their silhouetted shape and for strong sunlight. I am a painter of light which means I paint the shadows to reveal it.
What inspires your work?
I am inspired by light and movement. I like my paintings to be glimpses of the subject as if the viewer were looking at it for the first time before their eyes had properly focuses on any part of it.
What do you hope each piece tells the viewer about Venice?
Venice is magical and beautiful. It is the most precious city in the world and has such quiet as well as busy elements.
Is there a connection between style and subject?
Sometimes. I like to paint Venice from dark to light connecting shapes through their shadows. When I paint wildlife I am much more frenetic in my approach throwing paint at the paper as well as spattering and scribbling – where as Venice is a more subdued approach.
What aspects of Venice inspired your creativity whilst there?
Naturally everything – the reflections in the canal, the gondolas, the roofline of the magnificent buildings and, naturally, the light (and the romance of the place).
What has been your favourite place or subject to paint and why?
Venice has to be up there but now I am fascinated by the abstract qualities of wildlife. African and at home. I love the opportunities it gives me for colour combinations and brush strokes.
You can see more of Jake’s work on his website.
Have you been to Venice? What was your experience like?
Finally… Musement, a site offering museum tickets, art tours, and cultural activities has kindly let Wanderarti readers get €5 off purchases up until the 31st July. Just use the code WANDERARTI and you can get discounted offers all over Europe!
