Vienna

Vienna must be the Museum capital of the world. Cold again, but luckily I spent all my time indoors. Three words: Egon Scheile - Phenomenal. There was an exhibition of his drawings and watercolours at the Leopold Museum. He is the man. And I can’t believe he did all this work before he died at 28. Now I want to draw like him.

And then Klimt – so pretty and delicate, and still phenomenal. He makes it all look far too easy. I was inspired by his simple and efficient drawing, which were made possible only after so many years of academic training. His crazy, over the top and opulent designs, full of gold-leaf but also subtlety, make me want to experiment more.

I suppose the drawings I do from life in my sketch book, collecting ideas for paintings, are partly influenced by Klimt and Sheile. These drawings are often put down quickly, as I see a scene or pose occurring naturally around me. Using pen, ink and brush, I work really hard at trying to use minimal lines on the page to show maximum form, action and gesture. Seeing Klimt and Sheile’s work is also pushing me to improve my sense of design.