Timothy Betton is a British artist, living and working in Lincolnshire. He graduated with a first class degree in Painting from the University of Edinburgh, where he developed his passion for exploring the surrounding environment in a two dimensional form. Specialising in larger size pieces, Timothy’s paintings depict abstract landscapes, inspired by the natural world. Creating abstract paintings through the process of continuous layering of paint forms the basis of all of Timothy’s work. The application and manipulation of paint over time creates depth and texture from which his natural and abstracted contrasts are formed. Each painting is hand painted by Timothy in his Lincolnshire studio. Every painting is unique and takes between two weeks to two months to create.
1) Which art movement do you consider most influential on your practice?
Abstract Expressionism – I love spontaneity and creating from expression or emotion. The directness and immediacy of large gestural mark-making is very important in my artistic practice.
2) Where do you go and when to make your best art?
I will go for a walk, often in the countryside near where I live. The vastness of the landscape is what inspires me. Being outside clears my head and often makes me more thankful and focused.
3) How do you describe your 'creative process'?
I give myself plenty of permission to try my ideas, change direction in the middle of a piece, paint over a seemingly successful painting and maintain a relationship of curiosity with the work, balancing the notions of invention and discovery.
4) Which artist, living or deceased, is the greatest inspiration to you?
I have always been inspired by the work of Sol LeWitt. His process and methodology of working is fascinating. Even though my work is very abstract and expressive, I am obsessed with minimalism.
5) If you weren't an artist, what would you do?
I think I would be an interior designer. I love playing around with different ways of decorating and putting things together that are unexpected. Thinking multi-sensorially and creating comforting, cocooning havens is my idea of fun!
6) What do you listen to for inspiration?
I am a big fan of 80s disco music. It is a great motivator whilst being in the studio. My art practice involves a lot of physicality, so it is important to have something to dance alongside to!
7) If you could own one artwork, and money was no object, which piece would you acquire?
I would own an ‘Untitled’ woodcut by Donald Judd. I love the complex interaction between art, design and architecture in his work.
8) If your dream museum or collection owner came calling, which would it be?
My dream and favorite museum is MoMA, NYC. That would be pretty cool if they came calling!
9) What is your key piece of advice for artists embarking on a fine art or creative degree today?
Don’t follow trends. Be yourself and follow what makes you feel inspired and happy. Keep going – it will all work out when you least expect it to!
10) What is your favourite book of all time (fiction or non fiction)?
I love Ways of Seeing by John Berger. It got me fascinated with the complexities of image and society.
11) If you could hang or place your artwork in one non-traditional art setting, where would that be?
I would love to place my artwork in a forest. I love the juxtaposition between art and its setting.
12) What was the biggest lesson your university course or time studying taught you?
To be an individual. Don’t be too bothered by the path that others are taking – follow your own path.
13) And finally, if we were to fast forward 10 years, where would we find you?
Hopefully painting in a field somewhere, listening to 80s music!
Learn more about Timothy and discover his collection of paintings.
