Rebecca Grant is a woman in demand. Currently starring in the hit play “Dinner with Saddam” in London, I caught up with her coming off the stage. Rebecca is more than just a quadruple threat (singer, dancer, actress, and artist), she is bursting to the seams with a raw and energetic energy that excites her audience and makes her infectious to be near. In her rare times of solitude, Rebecca creates captivating artwork, and it is her upcoming art exhibition in London that I sat down with her to get the scoop on.
How do you balance your various current projects?
I live between London and my seaside home in Norfolk. I try to economize my time and learn not to be a perfectionist when it is unnecessary.
How long have you been an artist?
I started painting at the age of 5 and was represented by my first gallery at the age of 16. Being self-taught, I came into my own artistic style by learning techniques through observation and fine-tuning my eye to notice every detail. Even though I’ve dedicated my life to performing arts, I’ve always made time for my artwork, regardless if that meant doing watercolours in my car between matinee and evening performances.
What prompted your interest in the arts?
I had very supportive parents, they introduced me to the masters such Monet and Degas at an early age and had made me paint studies of their work. It was like entering another world and I loved the response of how it made people feel.
Do you ever plan your artwork? (i.e. research, materials, sketching ….)
I map out a painting (whether it be oil or acrylic) with charcoal. I then use whatever materials I feel best communicates with my idea. Whether painting or drawing, I accept my mistakes. Favouring the imperfections that give depth and character to my work.
Where does your inspiration come from (for your artwork)?
My grandfather Raymond de Longueuil was a renowned artist in the South of France. Even though we met just a handful of times we had a strong understanding of each other. I love his work, which is full of vigour, bold brushstrokes, and joyous colours.
How do you maintain creative inspiration?
It can be tough. The key to starting is to just ‘start.’ It’s a process; you have to go through until you come out the other end where you find yourself painting faster and more enthusiastically.
I feel very lucky to live in one of the greatest cities in the world where I can hop on a train and see some of the great artists work at no cost. It infuses me with motivation and limitless opportunity when I go home a face a blank canvas.
Are there parallels in your painting style and your acting?
I believe it is important for art to depict reality. That is what I endeavor to do with my work – to provide a window to the world which gives people an actors eye view. For a lot of my previous work I’ve tried to concentrate on what I know best, the theatre, capturing scenes from productions I have taken part in along with candid portrayals of some of the artists I have appeared with.
Can you tell us more about your exhibition?
My upcoming collection is very different from any of my past work. I opted for more natural scenes, such as landscapes and everyday items. Clearly taking beauty from the Riverside Gallery’s location in Barnes and capturing the true essence of the idyllic English countryside.
Rebecca will debut limited edition prints along with her most recent work at the Riverside Gallery in London from November 18th – December 5th.
by Shelby Welinder
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