James Oses is a freelance illustrator based in South London, where he constantly finds new exciting places to paint. Recently he has started to experiment with more art materials which has helped him see places from a different perspective. His latest work is a collage of the Battersea Power Station in London done on Hahnemühle Harmony Watercolour paper.
How did you start making art?
I studied illustration at Middlesex University and this was where I really got into sketching on location. We would do trips to various places and museums and this was how I developed an interest in drawing and painting in different environments.
What inspires you?
For personal work my local area and London as a whole plays a big role in what I like to draw. I like street scenes a lot, but I’m also interested in painting natural landscapes. I’ve started experimenting with different materials like collage recently as well which helps to see things in new ways.
What is your most important artist tool?
I have a small palette of Winsor & Newton watercolours which I’ve handpicked and changed around – about 20 squeezed into a travel box. I like this size as its good for holding for hours on end! I’d be pretty lost without these I think.
You recently tried the new Hahnemühle Harmony & Expression watercolour papers; how did they compare to the papers you normally work on?
Very smooth! I’m definitely keen on using hot press papers for this reason, and the Harmony was superb to work on. Holds washes really nicely and great for drawing on with ink. It also has a nice tone – very white, so the colours can pop. The Expression cold press is also great – I had a little go recently in Ireland but got soaked in a downpour while I was painting! I was pleasantly surprised though at how well the more textured surface held up to being drawn on with ink.
What advice would you give to other artists?
If you haven’t tried, have a go at working outdoors. It can be a really rewarding experience and you often meet interesting people, and sometimes future clients. Business cards are handy. Also, be nice to people.
If you have tried other Hahnemühle papers in the past, which one is your favourite so far and why?
The Harmony is actually the first I’ve tried for painting and I love it! I’ve used Hahnemühle’s German Etching paper for a long time though for having giclée prints made. It’s a really lovely paper and does a great job at giving a similar feel to high quality watercolour paper.
For more information about James Oses and his work please visit his website: https://www.jamesoses.co.uk/
Thank you James!
