John Longcroft-Neal, a local Nuneaton painter who has been on Radio 2 with Jeremy Vine, has his stunning watercolours in the Nuneaton Museum and Art Gallery. The various paintings of owls, hedgehogs, local and national areas of natural beauty, are on display until the 14th August 2021.

In conversation with him today, the talented artist described his creative process as a 'non-linear pastiche' of inspiration, taking note of other artists. He draws upon Edwardian art he was inspired by on a trip to Edinburgh, where he viewed John Singer Sargent's portraiture. But he also has a love of abstract, modern, and contemporary art.

'There are many people on the local art scene who I also admire. John Lines is a Rugby-based fine artist who depicts the countryside, and it's interesting because using oil is the opposite process to my own. With watercolour, you start off with the lightest colours and slowly build it up. With oil, you start off dark and go the opposite way.'

John had his exhibition at the Nuneaton Museum and Art Gallery approved in the January of this year, and since then he has been busy framing over seventy of his paintings. Although his favourite medium to work with is actually pottery, he is always trying different forms.

'For example, to get the distinct black outline around my watercolours, I use a Parker pen which I gently add water to. The ink bleeds outwards in a scientific process that bleaches the colours.'

Although he has painted local scenes, his work is not simply confined to Warwickshire. Instead of setting out with a particular idea in mind, he always carries a sketch-pad with him, and has painted everywhere from the Lake District to Yorkshire.

'I have even painted the house across the road from me, which I really think the owner should buy a print of,' he suggests, with a laugh. 'Yes, I have painted the Hartshill Hayes, the Old Grammar School in Nuneaton, and Higham on the Hill, but I tend to simply wait for certain conditions. For example, I notice branches forming interesting shapes, and work from there.'

John appreciates the visual arts in general, being additionally interested in videoing and photography. His talent stretches across many mediums, and he has exhibited further paintings at various cafes around Nuneaton. Originally a schoolteacher, he has been swapping ideas with other artists for his whole life, and something that is clear from John's work is that he likes to enter dialogue with others.

'I enjoy talking to visitors to the Museum about the different perceptions of art work. Art is about having something to say, not necessarily having to stick to realistic depictions or anything like that. Abstract and fine art alike have their merits, and different things to say.'

If you are interested in viewing these exemplary art works for yourself, the Museum is open Tuesday 10.30am to 4.30pm, Wednesday 10.30am to 4.30pm, Thursday (downstairs and tearoom only) 10.30 - 4.30pm, Friday 10.30am to 4.30pm, and Saturday 10.30 - 4.30pm.