TOAF takeover

A Day with Hatty Butler

Get a glimpse at #TOAFtakeover, a weekly Instagram series that gives you an insight into the work and life of our artists, straight from the source. Like what you see below? Follow along on our Instagram for the full scoop.

#TOAFtakeover Hello everyone! I'm Hatty Butler @hattybutlerartist . I will be sharing with you my work and the process and thoughts behind it throughout the day. Thank you #theotherartfair for this opportunity! I am a contemporary portrait artist, my work is about people. Exploring their vulnerability, capturing an honest and exposed resemblance, creating a vivid and forceful image. My portraits are not about the face alone, they portray and question the emotions and experiences behind it. Here is a photo of me in my studio, my favourite place to be (the old washing machine comes in very handy as a side table 😉). HB #theotherartfair #takeovertuesday #hattybutler #theotherartfairbristol #saatchiart #artfair #contemporaryart #contemporaryportraiture

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#TOAFtakeover Okay let's talk about process! For me the process is equally as important as the subject. I never know how a piece is going to turn out, I have a rough idea of what I want to capture but the work changes and grows as I add more paint. I spend about three weeks working on one piece, totally immersing myself in the creative process. I choose to use oil paint, it is malleable, thick and creates an incredible texture. Using a palette knife alongside this means that I can drag the paint and also become less precious about my work as it forces me to make mistakes. I often incorporate a beeswax and damar varnish solution within the paint to add another element to the texture. The use of spray paint , resin and oil pastel is also a key component. They add a new dimension to my work, creating energy and movement. Swipe right for more images. HB #theotherartfair #takeovertuesday #hattybutler #theotherartfairbristol #saatchiart #artfair #contemporaryart #contemporaryportraiture @hattybutlerartist

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#TOAFtakeover 'April' oil, spray paint and pastel on canvas, 143 x 160 cm. This piece is part of a current series I am working on entitled 'People of the rainbow'. My aim is to convey emotions, experiences and struggles via contemporary art, creating dynamic, vivid images. My love for texture, method and material helps me capture this. I am passionate about using my art to celebrate unique and interesting people. Highlighting and embracing those who may normally be overlooked or criticised for being different. We live in a society where the abnormal is laughed at and my aim is to alter these outdated views. Art can be the most innovative and compelling form of providing change within our society. HB #theotherartfair #takeovertuesday #hattybutler #theotherartfairbristol #saatchiart #artfair #studio #contemporaryart #contemporaryportraiture #oilpaint #spraypaint @hattybutlerartist

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Follow The Other Art Fair and catch #TOAFtakeover every other Tuesday on Instagram at @TheOtherArtFair

Follow Hatty Butler on Instagram at @HattyButlerArtist