Making an Impression
It took Ribble Valley based Trevor Lingard decades to have the confidence to become a professional artist – now his work features in collections across Europe
Renowned artist Trevor Lingard, who has developed a unique and much acclaimed water colour technique, has taught in many countries where he has acquired many inspirational references.
But as he recalls, he has not always had the confidence that shines through in his work today.
While he embarked on a successful career as a building inspector, Trevor harboured an ambition to become a professional artist. That dream was realised after a series of successful exhibitions throughout the UK and at the age of 52 he eventually took the plunge – and has never looked back!
“In art classes at school drawing and painting all came naturally to me. I dreamt of perhaps being an artist one day, but the reality didn’t seem possible. I thought that would be for those more educated than me at the time!
“I was a lower grade student but in later life I discovered I was dyslexic but what I lacked in education I made up with being sporty, musical and artistic.”
Trevor, who was scouted and signed to play for Oldham Athletic when he was 15, recalls: “My dad and his dad before him were noted footballers – only but for fighting in two World Wars would they have been successful at professional level. Football was in my blood too. I played for my town team Accrington and was signed for Oldham Athletic as a schoolboy prodigy.
“At the time my dad didn’t have a car so the famous Irish international and ex- Burnley star Jimmy McKilroy who, at the time, was player manager for Oldham, used to taxi me in his Jaguar to and from Oldham’s ground for training during the school holidays.
“I was completely star struck at the time. Cleaning the pros’ boots was a treat!”
As he was unable to continue the commute to Oldham, Trevor was forced to end hopes of a football apprenticeship and on leaving school with no qualifications, he pursued a plumbing, heating and engineering apprenticeship.
He went on to win a hard-earned qualification to become a building inspector and later, with a further qualification, he became a building surveyor.
“While having a career which supported my family, my desire to paint and create art became overwhelming and in my late twenties onwards I spent many hours practising the techniques of watercolour and building up my reputation as a watercolourist,” explains Trevor, who during those early years as an amateur exhibited his work in local galleries throughout the North West, which saw his popularity increasing.
“One or two exhibitions sold out,” he recalls. “I was receiving acclaim for my techniques and was gaining a reputation for my work.”
As the years went by, Trevor’s work was distributed and exhibited throughout the UK: “It became evident after successful exhibitions that I was gaining a reputation nationally.”
It wasn’t until Trevor’s circumstances changed that he rose to the challenge of becoming a professional artist: “I hadn’t dealt with stress very well up to changing my career. However, my mantra is to paint what inspires me. That can be figurative, architectural townscapes, nostalgia or landscapes. I am a keen cyclist and I do enjoy painting action scenes of cycling events.
“I don’t fit into a particular genre of subject matter, but the subject must come from a desire to create an impression with as few brush strokes as possible and limited colour to achieve the effect of movement and atmosphere.
“I am what is termed an impressionist, which is suggesting rather than detailing.
The use of white paper is paramount in creating sparkle and a sense of light and is a feature of my work. I use a limited palette of eight colours only and I use a large round pointed brush.
“Watercolour is, without doubt, the hardest medium to try and master. Less is more – I like to suggest detail or atmosphere.
“My favourite paintings are the ones created whilst almost feeling an out of body experience. It’s almost like you are watching yourself paint and seeing it happen in front of your eyes without any effort or stress. The brush moves by itself and the colours rest gently onto the paper. The objects appear and it’s finished in an instance without labour. Those are the magical ones.”
During his time working as a professional artist Trevor has taught his techniques in Europe and South America: “I have been very lucky to have travelled to numerous countries in Europe and South America to teach.
“To be an artist and to have your work admired or acquired is the most satisfying and gratifying job in the world. As long as good health and eyesight allow, I will have this wonderful gift for some time to come. I am so lucky.”
