A book by Emily Ball

Sussex artist Emily Ball has received critical acclaim from one of the world’s leading art critics. Emily, who lives in Storrington, has published a new book “Drawing and Painting People – A Fresh Approach” based on the work she does at her thriving teaching studio in Partridge Green, West Sussex.

The book has been praised by leading critic, Turner Prize judge and BAFTA award winning broadcaster Matthew Collings, who is famously hard to please.
Speaking at the official launch of the book at the Moncrieff-Bray Galley, nr Petworth, Matthew Collings said: “It is very rare to find a ‘how-to’ book that is as clever, spontaneous and surprising and at the same time very, very wise and intelligent.
“It works on a number of different levels – enthusiasm and instruction. Primarily it is a book of originality. Anyone could get something from it, it really teaches you to see.”

The book is aimed at artists who feel bored or stuck with their work and are looking to find a way forward. It has already won plaudits from the influential Artists and Illustrators magazine. It praises it as a “How-To Book like nothing before” packed full of “priceless technique information”, which “helps you better appreciate the skewed world-view of the abstract artist”.

For nearly 20 years Emily has gained an outstanding reputation as an artist and tutor producing work of exceptional quality. More than 2,000 experienced and established artists have benefited from her teaching. Her aim is to give her students the confidence to paint really well by taking risks with their work, seeing not only with the eyes but all the senses, and avoiding illustration or copying.

Emily says: ”My book is about creating a true and intuitive response to the subject. I have invented, borrowed, adapted and tested many creative exercises to help students clarify and unpack the process of creating personal, beautiful and often challenging painting and drawings.
”I am passionate about what I do and my aim is to give artists the support and encouragement they need to move forward, producing work that is experimental and challenging without necessarily being abstract.”

The artist’s passion shows through in her most recent work, which has been inspired by her young family. She says: “There is nothing sentimental in the images I have created of my two children. They are tender, powerful responses to two small people; raw, strong pieces that reflect their determined characters and my own experience of and reaction to motherhood.”

Emily has exhibited at the Royal Academy, been artist in residence at Goodwood House and the Towner Art Gallery in Eastbourne, and was a prize winner at the 2005 Chichester Open. She is also a tutor at West Dean College.

“Drawing and Painting People – A Fresh Approach”, was commissioned by Crowood Press and is available online and at major bookstores, price £16.99.