“Marketing Director Rediscovers His Artistic Talents”

“Marketing Director Rediscovers His Artistic Talents”

By Jote Bassi - In conversation with Nigel Barrick
November 2024

“Follow your passion” is a phrase often heard at career crossroads, but few take that route. However, Nigel Barrick has done just that by launching Nigel Barrick's Art after a long career as a marketing director. I had the pleasure of speaking with Nigel to learn more about his journey back to art.

When and how did you develop an interest in art?

I've always loved art. I spent a lot of time in the art department during my sixth-form free periods, engaging in conversations with my art teacher, Mr. Rush. He was an inspiration and an accomplished artist in his own right. I remember he always wore brightly designed waistcoats and even helped me paint a Victorian street mural for my cricket club's amateur theatrical music hall performances.

Did you study art formally?

Yes, Mr. Rush inspired me to attend art college, where I studied Advertising and Graphic Design at Nottingham Trent Art School. The early 80s in Nottingham were a hotbed of creativity, influenced by 80s music and fashion with the New Romantics movement.

What kind of jobs did you have during your career?

I have had a very successful and interesting career as a marketing director, working with international companies to develop and manage advertising and marketing campaigns globally.

Did your work influence your art, and how?

Definitely. I was fortunate to travel and work in many exciting countries like Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, learning and drawing inspiration from these experiences. My travels across Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and Europe have definitely exposed me to many cultures and environments, which have significantly influenced my creativity and artistic styles. I also developed a multi - million interactive museum in Hong Kong. The very talented managing director Alex Mccuaig of MET Studio, the design company that designed and built the museum always said “I was a very creative client”.

What is your creative process, and where do you find inspiration?

My inspiration comes from many places—natural landscapes, particularly seaside scenes where I love to sketch, as I find them both relaxing and exciting places to paint rough seascapes. I also find inspiration in interesting features I see in magazines, which I collect and reflect on for future projects.

Does your family share your passion for art?

Sometimes! They're a great source of ideas and sometimes my best critics. For example, my daughter recently talked about cocktails she enjoyed, so I painted a cocktail assortment for one of her walls. For my older daughter's wedding, they wanted biscuit-themed table decorations instead of numbers, so I created a series of biscuit-themed decorations, which guests could also enjoy eating!

Has your painting style changed since art school?

Yes, my style has evolved over the years. I've experimented with various mediums, including acrylics, watercolours, inks, and pastels. Recently, I've been painting in oils—they're amazing to blend, though they take a long time to dry. Art itself has changed since my college days; back then, specific styles were taught, but today, there's a much broader variety of artistic styles and mediums.

How did you return to art after so many years?

With some extra time on my hands one week, I decided to join a local art class run by a very inspirational teacher, Helen Mariner, an accomplished local artist. After she stopped running the class, I continued with a smaller group that now meets regularly at a local pub, which certainly adds inspiration! We're known as the “Rose and Crown Art Group” Writtle, where we are very well looked after by the team in the pub. We regularly invite local professional artists to run workshops in oils and watercolours to stretch our creative skills and give us new inspirational ideas.

What advice do you have for artists, and how do you know when a piece is finished?

I was told that once you feel your inspiration for a picture slowing down, it's time to stop. I find this to be true. You can always improve a painting, but I like to finish quickly, ideally within a few days.

What part of the creative process do you find most satisfying?

I love it when a painting comes together quickly. If I'm painting for a friend or client, the appreciation I receive is incredibly rewarding, as you can see from the testimonials on my website. https://www.nigelbarricksart.com/testimonials

How do you manage the practical aspects of art, like storage and studio space?

My studio at home doubles as a study. It's a light-filled room, which is perfect for painting, but I have to keep it tidy! To help with space, I'm trying to sell more paintings, though it’s hard to part with those I particularly like.

Do you exhibit your work, and where?

I'm a member of the Chelmsford Art Society, and through them I've exhibited some of my work at RHS Hyde Hall a couple of times a year. I've also started taking commissions thanks to introductions from friends and colleagues, for which I'm very grateful. Recently, I've displayed my paintings and sold a series of greeting cards at local tearooms in Chelmsford.

Can you explain the concept behind one of your recent works?

One of my recent commissions was for a old friend who wanted a painting of a special place regularly visited in Yorkshire. I aimed to capture the light in a forest scene. I've also completed a brightly coloured flowers painting for a family member to match the colour scheme of their new house.

So, to finish, answer these quick questions: