Fermanagh-based artist Douglas Hutton's work is distinctive in its style. His dramatic use of colour and bold brushstrokes create eye-catching art that makes a statement in any space, whether his inspiration is a rugged landscape or a famous Irish poet.

Here he tells The Impartial Reporter what his art means to him, how he particularly enjoys working in oils and what inspires him as an artist.

JC: What is your artistic background?

DH: I studied Art at Edinburgh Art College for four years.

JC: What inspires your art?

DH: Inspiration for me can emerge from a scene viewed, a word, a poem, a Leonard Cohen lyric, a piece of music anything really that creates a spark!

JC: Who/what are your biggest influences?

DH: Today the work of contemporary artists such as Teskey, O’Donoghue and Shinners appeal and inspire as did the Scottish Colourists Cadell and Peploe.

JC: Is there a specific place that you do your work?

DH: I work mostly in a garden studio.

JC: What has been your most ambitious piece to date?

DH: Perhaps a large backdrop mural relating to the Crimean War on display in the military museum Enniskillen Castle.

JC: What different artistic mediums do you use and which is your favourite?

DH: I use most mediums but my preference is for oils which facilitate overpainting, impasto work, palette knife effects, light and dark contrasts, soft edges and accidental ambiguity.

JC: What are you currently working on?

DH: Currently working on 10 landscape paintings to be showcased in the Townhall in April collectively titled 'fragmentation'.

JC: Do you exhibit your work anywhere?

DH: I have had several solo exhibitions the most recent in Erne Waterways 2017 titled “Elsewhere”. I also sell through Dolans and Morgan O'Driscoll fine art auctioneers and locally I have work on display in the Buttermarket and The Jolly Sandwich.

JC: Any new artistic ventures planned for 2020?

DH: To complete 10 landscape pieces on the theme “fragmentation” by April then to further explore remote and windswept coastal areas in my work.

JC: What has been your favourite project to date?

DH: A collaborative exhibition titled 'Reflections' with the Scottish Poet Miriam Gamble in Enniskillen Museum in 2012 inspired by a residency at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre.

JC: What are you up to when you aren’t painting?

DH: When not painting I reflect on what I have painted and what might be next with a little golf, swimming and walking added to the mix.

JC: How would you describe your artistic style?

DH: I really cannot but I hope that each piece describes itself. A painting should have a voice and create a dialogue.

JC: What does your art mean to you?

DH: Art means to me opportunity, struggle, despair, delight, light and dark.