Introducing Twotone Art:

Who are you and what do you do?
Hello, my name is Clare and I am an Artist. It took me a while to admit that I was one, I never felt good enough within myself. But I’m there now, even though my family and friends are rolling their eyes as if to say “Well, duh, we told you that ages ago! So it’s all good!

My main form of art is drawing in Graphite pencil, although, when I started being more serious with producing art, I used a lot of Black Indian Ink. (Hence, Twotone) I LOVE faces! Drawing faces is my first passion. To be able to capture their essence within a drawing is a true delight. Although now writing this down, I do sound like a dark witch! Hahaha! But its true. If I don’t get their sense of who they are when I draw their eyes, I know it’s not going to come out as good.

I have recently, began to try new things. I’m giving acrylic paints a go. It’s different and I’m enjoying the journey. Colour always frightened me, I never knew what colour went where. Now though, I just go with it. Having fun is a priority, just create! And even if I create more art with colour, Twotone will always be me.

When did you begin making your two toned art? 
I came up with Twotone about 6-7 years ago now I suppose. I was drawing a lot with ink, so it was only natural for me to use it as a logo. I didn’t even pick up a pencil until 2003. I never thought I could draw. It was only when the car was bashed into and had to get repaired that I was stuck on what to do. My husband bought me a watercolour set to keep me busy, I never felt comfortable with that medium, but it gave me the kick I needed and it went on from there.

What inspired you to create your form of art?
Easiness! Hahaha! Or, what I thought was easy. But it never is as plain sailing as you first think. But with all forms of art, you evolve, you change the way you first do things. It’s natural. When I look back at what I did at the beginning, it’s nothing to how I create now. But I don’t see my past drawings and go “Oh my God! How awful.” Because, at that time, it was the best I could create.

Don’t ever think what you create is rubbish, hard I know, because we are our own worse critics. What you create, whatever medium you use, it’s a part of you. You put your time and effort into creating it so don’t demean what you’ve done.

What is your one essential tool that you cannot live without (for your art)?
That would be my mechanical pencil. A close second is a blending stick. My mechanical pencil has drawn many things with me, it’s never failed me.

Where can I find you on the web?
http://Www.twotoneart.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/twotoneart/
https://www.facebook.com/TwotoneUK/
https://twitter.com/twotoneart
I’ve also put some of my art on Redbubble, not too long ago, so things are still fairly limited. Here’s the link if you so desire to pop along. https://www.redbubble.com/people/TwotoneArt

What do you like to do when you are not creating?
Thinking about what I can create! Ideas keep popping up at the oddest of times. I have a notebook with me at all times, even though if someone else reads what I’ve written it’ll look like a weird code as my brain is way to fast for my writing. So, for example, it’ll have “Nebulas, get thingy paint, and scribble down parts.” Very professional as you can see.

I also love gardening. To be out with the plants and trees is just so energy giving. I also love walking around where I live. I have fields all around me, and there’s a beautiful stream nearby, where I love gathering my thoughts… And new ideas for art.

Have you got any pets?
I do! I have a rescue staffy dog named Jazz. She is just coming up 9 and she is a bundle of bounce. There’s also Runner Ducks and I’m hoping soon enough to bring in some rescue hens.

What is your favourite art book/what are you reading at the moment?
I don’t have a specific art book that’s a favourite, but I do love looking at other peoples art.

I swear on my IG, I am scrolling and liking other artists pieces. There’s SO much amazing talent out there. And they need to know that they are supported. My favourite ‘go to’ book though is Jane Eyre. I have read it so much, I don’t really need to read the words!