August 2025 – Ian McManus

On a hot day in August, a very healthy number of the society members came to witness Ian McManus demonstrate his watercolour art in painting an architectural scene of a homestead, interesting of a farm house where 80% of the world carrot seeds are produced but lets not let that get in the way of a great demonstration by Ian.

About Ian: https://www.ianmichaelmcmanus.com/ 

Ian is a professional artist specialising in watercolour and full member of the IEA.

His atmospheric paintings capture a moment in time from everyday life.

Well known for painting street scenes bustling with figures and the hubbub of everyday life but equally for exploring many genres such as coastal, pastoral, figures in landscape or interior settings and more. He strives to catch the energy and essence of a location through lively application of paint using direct brushwork, without overlays of washes normally associated with watercolour painting; he believes this gives each finished painting transparency and freedom of expression.

Painting Plein Air where possible, he constantly seeks locations and subjects with an interesting narrative and focal point, chasing the effects of natural light and shade, very much as the impressionist painters who are a great inspiration to him.

He works continuously to develop and improve his artworks and enjoys sharing this with others through demos for art societies, tutoring and workshops both nationally and internationally. Gaining great satisfaction from helping students elevate their skills and create more satisfying pictures themselves; additionally inspiring others through his instructional DVDs published by Townhouse Publications. He believes that anyone who is passionate enough about painting and commits sufficient time to honing the craft with some guidance from a good tutor can learn to paint. It’s a continual learning experience, and very rewarding when it all comes together and you finish up with a painting you’re happy with.