I’ve been lucky enough to follow artist David Miller’s work over a long period of time and thought it was about time we caught up and learnt a little more about the man behind the wonderful artwork.
David, how long have you been an artist?
I’ve been a professional artist for almost thirty years.
When did you make the decision it was the path for you?
As a teenager. By the time I was 18, especially after experiencing the world of ‘real’ work through part-time and summer jobs, my mind was made up. I was fish and fishing obsessed and convinced, even at that tender age, that the world had been waiting for a fish painter!
Does it take time to become established as an artist in your particular field?
It does take time to become established. Social media has helped enormously in that respect. With posts on Facebook and Instagram I regularly reach over 50,000 people in a week. Having a book of my paintings published also helped as did having my work featured on the EA Rod Licence and on a set of Royal Mail stamps.
Have fish always been high on your list of favourite subjects to paint?
Yes! Even as an 11 year old my school exercise books were covered in sketches of my favourite species, especially perch and pike.
How long does a painting take from the first stroke?
Some paintings are completed in a day whereas others take weeks.
Is there a fish you enjoy to paint most?
It changes but at the moment it’s the European bass. I do tend to get a little obsessive and for the last couple of summers, after buying a small RIB, I’ve spent many wonderful days diving, snorkeling and fishing in pursuit of bass.
How do you capture a scene to paint, does it involve diving into a river?
I spend hours fishing, diving and snorkeling to gather reference and find inspiration. First-hand experience gives you an insight into the subject and fills the mind’s eye with images. I’ve taken thousands of photos to help aid my memory but never slavishly copy a single photograph.
Do you work mostly on commissions or will you paint a subject that you think will appeal to your audience?
Like most artists I prefer to paint whatever inspires me but when you make your living solely from painting you do have to take on commissions.
Do you sell prints of your work?
I do sell prints and over the years must have sold hundreds if not thousands, especially of popular species such as trout, salmon, pike, carp, perch and bass.
I’m guessing you’re an angler yourself?
I am an angler, although given the choice these days I would rather dive or snorkel with fish than catch them. I love to see them in their own world.
What is your favourite species and why?
As I said earlier, it changes, and at the moment it’s the European bass. I love their beauty, character and the wild places they inhabit. I’ve lived in Wales now for 15 years and have fallen in love with the Pembrokeshire coastline.
One day of fishing, where would it be?
Big bonefish in the Cook Islands or big tarpon in Cuba!
If you would like to find out more about David's work then please visit his website by clicking HERE
