From Architect to Artist – a Journey from Qatar to Suffolk featuring Sublime Skylines
Blending the global experience of an architect with a lifelong passion for art
Stonham Barns Park has welcomed a new business to its retail village that mixes the global experience of an architect with a lifelong passion for art.
Stephen Watkins has recently returned from working as an architect in Doha, the capital of Qatar in the Middle East, where he was assigned to a major hospital build project. During his time in Doha he was enchanted by the futuristic skyscrapers and ultramodern architecture – inspired by ancient Islamic design – that made up the City’s skyline. It was here that he began to paint the skylines to capture and preserve important places and memories for people and he became a much-acclaimed local artist having once chosen architecture over art at college.
Stephen established a loyal group of art followers over the 10 years he spent in Qatar. He sold over 200 paintings and participated in many high-profile expositions in Doha while he was there including solo and collaborative showcases. His international reputation also developed during this time through website sales success.
Now Suffolk-based with his own studio and exhibition space, he explains his motivation to make the change from architect to artist. ‘I worked as an architect for over 20 years and my work culminated in my assignment to the ultimate healthcare build project in Doha.’
‘As part of my time there I revisited my love of painting, and my focus was to give permanence to memories such as travel and significant life-shaping events; and I have now become known for immortalising skylines and places that mean something to my life or to the lifestyle of my clients.’
Each painting Stephen creates using acrylic paint on canvas. They can be skyline timelines that depict key stages of life, or they can be a story of something, some place or someone who changed a person and made them who they are today.
They all have an architectural presence that makes them unique in their quality and feel. His collections include London Art, Framlingham, Doha Art, New York City Art, Manchester Art, Celebrating Pride and The World. Original Work, Commissions and Limited-Edition Prints are all available from the artist who won ‘Artist of the Future’ Award from Contemporary Art Curator Magazine.
‘Back to City Lights’ is a skyline painting celebrating the gradual reopening of society and the return to our cities and towns. Other examples of Stephen’s work include ‘Landmarks of London’ and ‘Framlingham Castle in Blue.’
Stephen continues, ‘I came back to the UK with no fixed plans other than to dedicate more time to developing my art obsession- and spending more time with my three daughters, who are all themselves budding artists. The pandemic gave me the opportunity to dedicate the time I needed to create new pieces of work, and this has helped me to develop my portfolio.’
‘I have run painting sessions on social media and have had more success than I would have ever thought of via these platforms. I now have 18,000 Facebook followers and am hoping to continue to expand this key audience for my business. The new studio and exhibition space in Suffolk gives me another opportunity to reach out to new customers as I continue to pursue my love of art and architecture.’
Stephen Watkins is participating in Suffolk Open Studios, for a look ‘behind-the-scenes’ each weekend in June. Up and coming exhibitions include the VAA International Art Exhibition (Virtual), The Group Exhibition ‘Contemporary Painting’ at Brick Lane Gallery, The Sussex Art Faire at Goodwood Racetrack, and solo exhibitions at The Aldeburgh Gallery and The Sentinel Gallery.
Stephen is 45 and lives at Dennington, Suffolk.
For more information visit www.sjwatkins.com
Stonham Barns Park is a destination venue for all the family to suit all ages. Other activities at the leisure, retail and holiday location include The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, The Bistro, Adventure Golf, a Teapot Pottery, a nine-hole golf course, holiday lodges, a caravan park, camping and glamping, an indoor play barn and fishing lakes.
Stonham Barns Park has been awarded the VisitEngland ‘We’re Good to Go’ industry charter mark which verifies that the attraction meets the Government and Public Health guidance on Covid-19. All the required health and safety processes are in place including hand sanitising stations, social distancing and NHS Track & Trace check-in.
