From childhood landscapes to a touching legacy, this watercolour artist shares how profound connections shaped his journey, as Sara Mumtaz finds out
HOW I WORK HOW I PAINT
SEBASTIAN THOMMEN’S ARTISTIC ROOTS trace back to the idyllic landscapes of Devon. At just five years of age, a teacher’s task to paint the outdoors sparked a flame for en plein air painting that would endure. Nurturing his innate connection to nature through his teens, Sebastian delved into the world of drawing, captivated by the intricate illustrations found within the pages of books. This early exposure sowed the seeds for a passion that would blossom into a distinctive artistic journey.
In the midst of his parents’ separation, Sebastian’s teenage solace was found in fishing expeditions with his neighbour, Brian. Their silent companionship by the pond created an unspoken bond. Tragically, Brian’s sudden death in a car accident resulted in an unexpected legacy for Sebastian.
In a poignant gesture, Brian’s wife entrusted Sebastian with her late husband’s Frank Clarke Simply Painting Watercolour Set, which became a cherished guide, inspiring Sebastian to delve into art more profoundly from the age of 14; embarking on a transformative journey.
“Brain had said if he ever had a son, he’d want one like me. This was gold for my insecure self to hear. I didn’t even know he did art,” Sebastian gushes. This connection, born from quiet moments by the pond, laid the foundation for the artist’s evolution.
Going through tough times in life influenced my artistic expression.
Art was something I would always fall back into when I was down. It gave me strength, and this is why I never wanted to study it academically or rely on it to make a living; it was too special for me; I didn’t want to tarnish that. Although, in these past few years, I have fully embraced it and am now happily making a living from it.
I associate watercolour with playing as a child.
I feel a sense of comfort while playing with watercolours as this is what I was first introduced to. Maybe if Brian had painted in oils, I’d be painting and teaching in oils. It’s also a release; a way to express myself. I was an actor for 15 years before I became a full-time artist, so art also fills that daily creative love tank. It’s a lot easier to fill it with going outside and painting rather than waiting to hear back from your agent. I love the outside and, as I fished a lot in my yo
