Howard Coles
I enjoy teaching – after a lifetime in classroom, college studio and workshop, I remain impressed in the main, by the way students react creatively to an uncomplicated, practical approach. Perhaps my method has always been one in which development artistically and pleasure that students of any age gain from their development has always been my personal driving force. I have enjoyed nurturing the creativity of students of primary school age, through to secondary, to higher education, and to teachers and lecturers in colleges and universities and I would like to think that my own creative approach stems from the interaction of teacher and student, no matter what age or talent.
What will students gain if they come on one of your courses?
1) An insight into the work of a practising artist/photographer and teacher.
2) The opportunity to share in my experience of photography and painting gained over many years in this country and abroad.
3) Hopefully, a feeling of self-worth, the pleasure that comes from success, whatever their level of experience.
4) A desire to do more – to take their own work forward.
5) A practical understanding of all aspects of digital photography and its potential for realising excellent imagery.
Principally one of elucidation, demonstration followed by practice. I invariably bring examples of my own work to courses and it is through experience, paintings and photographs that comment and activity are directed. For some thirty years I have made images of people, of industry, and the landscape. I aim to pass on to students this delightful source of pleasure and contemplative inspiration, while providing ways of achieving the highest levels of artistic control via their cameras or painting media. The two areas of Painting and Photography, are in West Dean course terms seen as separate entities. Photography, like Painting is still about the art of seeing. Consequently leading students to express their ideas by extending themselves on field visits is a well regarded process of my teaching in both areas. This practical “understanding” of the subject, and confidence in the use of the camera or brush is central to my courses.
What inspires your own work?Principally “landscape”. As a painter I can construct and re-construct what I see and react to. As a photographer I aim to reveal what is there for all to see, but in a way which makes it a personal “one-off". So long as their work continues to have something to say I am happiest being inspired by other painters and photographers. However It is the physical aspect of being in the landscape, whatever continent, which is the major “turn-on” for me.
Where can students see examples of your work?My website, Gallery artist at The Albany Gallery, Cardiff; Oriel Tegfryn, Menai Bridge- Bangor; Oriel Royal Cambrian Academy. Conwi; Gallery Glyn y Weddw . Llanbedrog;Gallery at Bevere. Worcester; Nant y Coy. Pembs; Oriel Pen y Fan – Brecon; Church Street Gallery. Bellingen. NSW. Australia
Where did you gain your training? Experience?Cardiff College of Art. NDD.ATD; Singapore, Photography; Singapore, Printmaking
Teaching experience:Head of art in UK and Singapore schools, Secondary Education.
Head of Art and Art Education. St.Katherines .Liverpool.
Higher Education Head of Design - Liverpool Hope University.
DES National Courses tutor. Prim/Sec teachers and lecturers.
West Dean Short Course Tutor. Photography/Painting
National Gallery – Kuala Lumpah. Malaysia. Much in UK, Far East and Australia private collections.
Professional groups and societies:I am an academician of The Royal Cambrian Academy.