2020 saw artist Christabel Blackburn’s star expedited to the big time. Her short-list nomination for the BP Portrait Award was swiftly followed by winning Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year.
Now her depiction of music legend Nile Rogers hangs in the Royal Albert Hall (part of her prize) and a solo exhibition is on the way later this year. We stepped inside the artist’s studio to discuss Christabel’s inspiration, style and Nile Rogers’ wardrobe.
What draws you to portraiture specifically?
I am addicted to people watching and fascinated by what makes us human. When I was at school, I loved figure drawing, and in History of Art, my area was always the nude. I love life drawing, the human form, but it’s people going about their daily lives, observing them doing ordinary things which interests me now.
Your paintings have such a distinct aesthetic - how did you find your style?
I was trained classically using traditional techniques and for a long time, I could only paint in this way. Over time I found my own aesthetic – it’s been an organic process evolved from all that I love and observe, as well as the artists I admire. My mind can be pretty chaotic at times so painting is what I turn to, it’s very cathartic for me. Painting flat plains of color is both therapeutic and meditative; color has the potential to convey a feeling or alter a mood, I love playing around with it.
How has life changed since winning Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year?
Winning the competition gave me the confidence to do the work I wanted, without fear of not being accepted - I think all emerging artists struggle with that. I'm now comfortable talking about my work and have more faith in my decisions; it was the validation I had been searching for. It was an incredible experience and a lot of fun. I am still working on commissions which came off the back of the show and have kept me busy for over a year; it’s more than any artist could ask for!
What was the experience of painting Nile Rodgers like?
It was crazy at the time: to be flown out to America, 7 months pregnant, to paint living legend Nile Rogers. Nile showed me around his house, his studio, his collection of guitars and, most importantly, his wardrobe. He has lived an extraordinary life and has endless stories about the people he worked with in the music industry. He's such a dude, the epitome of cool. I am so proud that my portrait of him now hangs in the Royal Albert Hall.
Do you have any exhibits planned for 2021?
I’m very excited to launch a new collection of works on paper for Partnership Editions in May, as well as supporting several charity auctions this spring. I’m also working on a new series of large-scale portraits which will be exhibited in a solo exhibition in Central London later this year, so watch this space!
Now that the world is starting to open up, what exhibits or galleries are you looking forward to visiting?
My first trip will be to the Rachael Whiteread show at Gagosian. I have several trips booked to the David Hockney exhibition at the Royal Academy. I just can’t wait to trundle around some of the smaller galleries again and indulge in all the wonderful art out there.
