Fermanagh artist Matt's illustrations are a fine line between creativity and perfection

Inspired by his passion for architecture, places and spaces, Matt tries to capture the character of buildings with his highly-detailed and precise drawing style.

Here he speaks to The Impartial Reporter about his artistic background, his biggest influences and what art means to him.

What is your artistic background? Are you self-taught or did you go to art school/do courses?

AS A self-taught artist now based in Belfast but originally from Fermanagh, I’ve picked up my style over the years.

I studied Art for A-level at Portora Royal School; however, I struggled to find a style that suited my personality as a perfectionist.

My day-to-day job as an Urban Designer at engineering company, Arup, was where I got to hone my drawing skills while masterplanning cities or designing public spaces.

What inspires your art?

I HAVE a passion for architecture, places and spaces. My architectural design background exposed me to the type of precision and patience needed for the type of work I do.

Travel has also been an important inspiration. My partner and I have travelled to various countries, including Vietnam, Thailand and Croatia.

This allowed me to understand that a drawing is much more than the building itself – it [captures] the character and its overall importance in the street as well.

I’ve tried to capture this in my more recent work.

How would you describe your artistic style?

I SPECIALISE in architectural pen drawings and sketches.

My drawings are generally highly-detailed, quite precise and illustrative of the different character of each building.

Each brick, window or archway is carefully considered and hand-drawn to capture the intricate complexity of the building, delicately framed by the surrounding white space.

Who/what are your biggest influences?

MY PARTNER, Eimear Campbell, has been my biggest influence. Eimear is an artist and photographer specialising in acrylic paintings of landscapes, nature and coastlines.

Her confidence in starting her own business, as well as her patience, dedication and positivity, is inspirational.

In terms of my style, artists such as Minty Sainsbury, Vi Luong (Mister VI), and Liam Hipple have had a big influence.

Is there a specific place that you do your work? Do you have a studio?

EIMEAR and I have recently converted our spare room into a studio. This is primarily where we both do our commissions and personal projects.

However, with the amount of commission requests we’ve both received, we are in the process of looking for a new studio space.

What has been your most ambitious piece, to date?

THIS is a difficult question! In terms of scale and time, St. Michael’s Church, Enniskillen was an ambitious piece.

In terms of detail, that would be St. George’s Market, Belfast, and Rose Cottage, Florence Court, due to the detailing and layers involved.

What different artistic mediums do you use, and which is your favourite?

MY PROCESS consists of highly-detailed pen and pencil drawings through a blend of stippling and cross-hatching.

I prefer drawing in pen, as the black and white forces me to focus on the light and shadows of the building.

In terms of paper, I draw on high-quality Hahnemühle, Arches or Daler-Rowney paper.

This depends on the finish that I or the customer would like.

What are you currently working on?

RECENTLY, I’ve been working on larger-scale urban drawings and also on smaller bespoke commissions for individuals – whether that be their house, their wedding venue, a place they’ve travelled to or a favourite building.

I’ve also been working on a series of mini-sketches, ranging in A4 to A5 size, which are perfect as gifts.

Do you exhibit your work anywhere?

I’VE been asked to exhibit both in Belfast and Enniskillen; however, due to the ongoing restrictions, these have unfortunately been postponed until 2021.

Instagram and Facebook have provided a platform to showcase my work and interact with interested individuals, local artists and businesses.

You can find me at @matt.tanswell.illustrations.

Any new artistic ventures planned for 2021?

I’VE been booked out with commissions running over the festive period, but I’ll be available for new commissions and releasing new original drawings and prints in 2021.

Currently, I’m working on two ambitious pieces, each illustrating a key landmark in Belfast and Enniskillen, which I can’t wait to share!

What has been your favourite project, to date?

AGAIN, this is a difficult question. Every project is a favourite of mine for different reasons.

[Such projects include] St. Michael’s Church, Enniskillen, is a building I’ve always admired growing up; St. George’s Market, Belfast due to the perfect brickwork; and Hanoi's Old Quarter, Vietnam because it captures the lively, chaotic streetscape.

What are you up to when you aren’t creating art?

WHEN I’m not drawing, you will find me in the sea on my surfboard somewhere along the coast of Ireland.

Surfing, like drawing, has been a way for me to escape the everyday noise and constant disruptions from technology.

The cold water is great for your mental and physical wellbeing.

What does your art mean to you?

DRAWING and sketching is my way of expressing creativity through pen and paper.

It’s simply you, the pen and the paper and a way to zone out.

Witnessing a customer’s face when they first see their drawing makes every minute, every brick and every hatch worth it!