Tobias Harrison set up his own studio in 1974, specialising in lusterware,
producing items ranging from small bowls to electric
fires and fountains.
In 2001 he decided that he wanted a new challenge, so
he started painting, having not painted or drawn for
30 years and never in oils.
He says it was a struggle initially, but he soon found
he had a great affinity to the medium of oil paint.
Such was his confidence that he sold the last of his
pots and dismantled his workshop to start painting.
He makes no conscious attempt to paint in a particular
style, letting the subject dictate how he paints. He
observes colours and textures faithfully, not as mere
photographic reproductions, but with a view to interpret
and explain the subject.
He feels that his work is still life , but maintains
that his intention is to paint “living life”,
and each finished painting challenges him to paint another
even better, with a goal of capturing perfectly the essence
of subject. He imagines that he could be still on this
quest in another 30 years.