Art Blog #118
- Paul Connor
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Artists on Artists - Is there a piece of art or artist that changed your life? - Laura Tinald - David Downton
'To delve deeper into the artists we showcase, The Connor Contemporary has created a new interview series that uncovers the stories and inspirations behind their work. This month, we’re zeroing in on one powerful question: “Is there a piece of art or an artist that changed your life?” We’ll be sharing their candid responses and exploring how these influential works have shaped their creative style and artistic journey.
As you read, I’d love to know—has a particular artwork or artist ever changed the way you see the world and, to what degree, has the stated art or artwork been influential in the artist's style?'
Recently we asked Laura Tinald this very question:
Laura, Is there a piece of art or artist that changed your life, if so what/who was/is it and how did your life change?
'I have a vivid memory of being at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery when I was a kid and seeing La donna della Finestra (Unfinished) and being blown away. I was captivated by the beautiful detailed face and hands, against the orange background and the fact it was unfinished, yet balanced. Later, at College, I discovered the fashion illustrator, David Downton, who has heavily influenced my style.'
David Downton Quick Bio
Over the last two decades David Downton has established a reputation as one of the world’s leading fashion artists. His classically elegant, yet highly contemporary images have been a key factor in the revival of interest in the tradition of fashion illustration and David is a worthy successor to the great artists in his field including Gruau, Eric and Antonio.
In 1996 he was commissioned to draw at the Paris couture by a Sunday supplement, and since that time has worked principally as a fashion illustrator and portrait artist. His reports from the shows have appeared in – among others – V Magazine, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, The Times, The New York Times, Telegraph Magazine and Vanity Fair.
Courtesy of daviddownton.com/biography/
Laura Tinald Quick Bio
Birmingham-based artist and illustrator Laura Tinald has loved to draw and paint for as long as she can remember.
Working predominantly in inks and pencil on paper, Laura brings her subjects to life through intricate detail contrasted with bold lines and loose ink. While her work looks effortless, her process is meticulous.
Laura loves music old and new.
She is inspired by icons of the late 70s and early 80s – her colour palette informed by illustration and cover artwork of that era.
Other influences on her work are fashion illustrators René Gruau and David Downton, Arthur Rackham, Quentin Blake, Alphonse Mucha, and the visceral etchings of Ralph Steadman.
She also loves da Vinci’s notebook sketches.
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