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I M P ROV I N G YO U R A R T W ITH E V E RY I S S U E
How to capture the magic of winter
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STILL LIFE SECRET S REVEAL ED N
TIP
Catching snowflakes
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THE EX
BY PERTS
Mix it up
Paint the town
Art healing
Inspiring portraits
Explore exciting techniques with watercolour
Painting to restore and revive
THE BRITISH ART PRIZE 2023
By creating stunning street scenes
In acrylic, coloured pencil and oil THE PEOPLE ’ S CHOICE WINNER REVEALED!
We present... This m o n t h ’s spotlight on a British Art Club member
DEIMANTE BRUZGULIENE
An artist who paints animals’ souls with passion and precision
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Tiger, soft pastel on paper, 50x70cm
eimante Bruzguliene embarked on her creative journey in her early years, driven by an insatiable desire to become an artist. “I’ve always dreamt of being an artist,” she reflects. Art classes were her sanctuary and she’s been sketching since her earliest memories. “That was where I felt most alive.” Animals, with their diverse charm, occupy a special place in Deimante’s heart. Wild or domestic, big or small, animals inspire her like no other. “I’ve always loved animals and nature. Wildlife, in particular, captivates me,” she admits. “Animals show their true selves more genuinely than humans.” When it comes to her medium of choice, Deimante’s words light up with enthusiasm for pastels , which she refers to as her preferred companions. “Pastels offer an artist unparalleled intimacy, control and freedom from complex colour mixing,” she says. Her upbringing and education laid the foundation for her art, with her early experiences tracing Disney characters, honing her skills and dexterity. “I remember tracing Pluto as a child, astonishing my little cousin,” she recalls with a smile. Her pursuit of art led her to college, a pivotal decision that has since defined her career. “Artists are influenced by everything, particularly life,” she explains. “Many other artists have also influenced my work including David Shepherd, John Banovich and Robert Bateman.” Her words resonate with the profound impact that art and life have on each other, weaving a tapestry of experiences and emotions that are vividly brought to life on her canvas. In every piece she creates, Deimante seeks to capture not just the likeness, but the soul of the animals. “Realism and meticulous detail are at the core of my style and I aim to resonate with people on a deep emotional level.” Her artwork emanates a genuine appreciation for the individuality and spirit of each creature, a connection she aims to convey to her viewers. Deimante’s art is a bridge that connects humanity with the enchanting world of nature. Her artwork serves as a gateway into the animals’ souls, evoking a profound appreciation for these creatures with whom we share our planet. britishartclub.co.uk/profile/DeimanteBruzguliene ▫ ARTISTS & ILLUSTRATORS 1 5
Citrus, oil on panel, 51x71cm
H O W I W O R K HO W I PA I NT
Justin Wood The still life artist tells Sara Mumtaz about his journey from traditional art to capturing life’s essence, revealing the challenges and passion within his evocative paintings ▸
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© THE NATIONAL GALLERY, LONDON © THE NATIONAL GALLERY, LONDON
Piero della Francesca, The Baptism of Christ, after 1437
NG200: National G In 2024, the National Gallery is marking its 200th year with a 12-month festival of art in
A NNI V E R S A R Y
Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, The Supper at Emmaus, 1601
allery Bicentenary celebration. What’s more, much of it is completely free to see. Join in, says Amanda Hodges ▸ ARTISTS & ILLUSTRATORS 4 3
Brıtısh ART rıze P The
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I N PA R T N E R S H I P W ITH
S U PP O R TE D BY
Titus Agbara
THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD WINNER 2023
T H E PE O PL E ’ S CHO I CE AW A R D
In The Spirit of Rushcart, oil on canvas, 102x228cm
As voted for by you, this artist has won the prestigious British Art Prize’s People’s Choice Award. His work blends emotions with cultural resilience, offering a vibrant canvas reflecting life’s timeless truths in vivid strokes, finds Ramsha Vistro
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ailing from the vibrant city of Lagos, Nigeria, Titus Agbara is a distinguished artist whose journey to artistic expression began with academic prowess at the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Nigeria, where he earned his Higher National Diploma in Painting and General Art. Following his graduation in 1999, he devoted himself to his craft. His artistic trajectory saw the fruition of numerous milestones: group exhibitions, artist talks, private commissions and solo showcases spanning London, Africa and international locales. Titus’ dedication led him to participate in transformative art residencies under the mentorship of various luminaries. His involvement in the ‘Imagine Art After’ global project in the UK further enriched his artistic repertoire.
At the core of Titus’ creative ethos lies an enamoured fascination with landscapes and sceneries, which he masterfully captures through his distinct painting technique. Employing a palette knife as his primary tool, he breathes life into his canvases, mainly with oils, while also exploring watercolours and pastels. For him, art exceeds the boundaries of mere visual representation. It becomes a conduit for honesty, sincerity and a profound belief in its potential to positively influence society. His nomadic spirit finds solace in travel, infusing his works with the essence of diverse cultures and experiences. Through his ever-evolving artistic pursuits, Titus aspires to evoke emotions and inspire societal goodness. His creative process – unconventional and distinctive – defies the ▸ A R T I S T S & I L L U S T R A T O R S 49
Besties depicts sibling love, which is accentuated by the matching outfits on these two sisters. It’s a reminder of when our siblings were our world and how our parents strove to help us connect, right down to matching outfits!
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