Ian McManus is based in Suffolk. Whilst at school, the only subject he was
really interested in was art. He has done a variety of jobs throughout his
life, none of which fulfilled the creative side of his nature and that's
probably why thirty years or so after leaving school, he decided to take
up art again. Ian began with acrylics and then moved on to oils but was
never happy with his efforts. He realised he needed to learn the art of
painting from the beginning again and enrolled in an art course at the
local college. However, the only course available was for watercolour, so
he thought he'd give it a go! From there on he was hooked on
watercolour and now paints exclusively in that medium.
He is mainly self-taught over 30 years with input from some of the best
known international watercolourists such as John Yardley, Herman
Peckel and Alvaro Castagnet. He is now an accomplished artist, a full
member of Institute of East Anglian Artists (IEA) and sought after tutor
well known for both studio and plein air demos and tuition, being hosted
around the UK. His unique style of combining accuracy yet direct
brushwork injects a dynamic feel into his artwork.
Ian has recently produced a DVD and The Gallery Holt, a prestigious art
host in Norfolk, exhibit his annual show displaying over 50 paintings that
'capture the moment'.
Ian believes that anyone who is passionate enough about painting can learn to paint. It's a continual learning
experience, but very rewarding when it all comes together and you finish up with a painting you're happy with.
Ian's artworks span a wide range of everyday subjects from street scenes bustling with figures to tranquil landscapes,
all have a contemporary freshness hard to capture in watercolour.
His relaxed yet informative tutorial approach helps others get the most out of the challenging yet fascinating medium of
watercolour. Ian supports students with the technical and creative aspects of better picture making such as improving
drawing and compositional elements and creating a painting with a focal point and a sense of place. He helps students
achieve a good understanding of tonal values, clean direct paint application and confident brush strokes to bring a
greater sense of vibrancy, light and atmosphere to paintings.
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