We caught up with one of the world’s elite watercolour artists’ Alex Hillkurtz fresh from his live demo at the International Watercolour Masters Arena. Alex travelled from Paris to demo and teach a sell-out three day workshop. In this short interview we discover how Alex’s career in Hollywood has influenced his painting and what inspires him to put brush to paper.

It was lovely to meet you at the International Watercolour Masters, what is so special about the event for you?

IWM has positioned itself as a premier event amongst lovers of watercolour. I was lucky enough to be invited this year to give a workshop and live demo. The quality of art on display, the number of professional international artists, and the fans who turned out make it something I couldn’t miss.

The IWM saw many visitors attend to watch the masters at work.  It is clear that watercolour remains a firm favourite with many artists at all levels. What is it that appeals to you about the medium?

Watercolour is in the midst of a true renaissance at the moment with countless events, master classes, plein air get togethers, and groups in every city. I love how accessible watercolour is for any beginner, yet how complex and demanding it can be the more you dive in. There are certain techniques only achievable with watercolour. I especially love its transparent glow giving it a freshness and lightness not found in other mediums.

You’ve had a very successful career as an illustrator and storyboard artist in Hollywood, collaborating on many films.  How does this background in films influence your painting style today?

It’s true, I’ve worked in film for many years, collaborating with some truly great directors and cinematographers. Beyond learning to draw fast with a strong sense of composition, the idea drilled into me is that each image must be the most compelling visual to express an idea or emotion, and that every frame must further the story. I find this translates into my painting allowing me to chose vantage points that tell a compelling story. I want to invite a viewer in to participate in the painting.

What inspires you to put paint to paper?

I live in Paris so inspiration is right outside my door. I’m in love with the light of this city and how sunlight and shadows define the forms of these gorgeous buildings and cafes. Paris has an incredible history when it comes to art and artists, it’s inspiring to me to walk in the footsteps of my heroes and be part of this rich tradition.

Which painting of yours are you most proud of, or consider a particular favourite?

I’m particularly proud of “Mise en Scene”. It’s the largest piece I’ve painted so far (65x125cm). It’s also one of my favourite cafes here in Paris. To sit inside looking out at the activity and drama on the street feels to me like being part of the audience at the best theatre in the world.

You have exhibited widely and won many prizes – what achievement are you most proud of?

I’m not sure I can claim this as an achievement, but I’m most proud of this international community I find myself in. Largely thanks to social media, I can throw a dart at a map and wherever it lands I know I’ll have friends there I can paint with. To connect with people from all over the world, to travel and meet fellow artists, to be part of a community of creatives who chose to create beauty is an incredible thing… all thanks to watercolour.

Which are your favourite brands of paint, brush and watercolour paper?

I paint with mostly Daniel Smith watercolours. They’re incredibly rich with some beautifully granulating pigments. Choosing favourite brushes is a bit like choosing a favourite child, but I do love Escoda, Borciani Bonazzi, and Raphael. For paper I like Arches, and Canson Heritage.

Alex Hillkurtz was born in England and grew up in California where he is a renowned storyboard artist. Alex currently lives in Paris and enjoys discovering hidden corners of the city that sketching and plein air painting allow. He uses the language of cinema to inform his images, moving beyond what one sees, and depicting what he wants others to see. He believes that in our too-crowded lives, sketching and plein air painting invite us to move at a more deliberate pace… a true sense of place, and sometimes unexpected stories are revealed.

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