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Scrolling through the Celf ar y Cyd website feels like stepping into a treasure trove of unseen sketches, paintings, and studies—artworks that might otherwise stay tucked away in museum archives. As an animator and artist, I love seeing the raw, unpolished moments of an artist’s process, the marks that make their work feel alive. The ability to browse through hundreds of images, from paintings to sketchbooks, is invaluable. It’s the perfect tool for students, artists, and historians alike.
When I set out to create a digital drawing in response to the collection, I worked intuitively. Instead of overthinking, I simply looked at three pieces that immediately spoke to me, either in composition, texture, or atmosphere. The pieces I chose were Prynu Dol Suite by Eric Malthouse, Sketch of Plant by Graham Sutherland, and Boys Wearing White Hats by Gwen John. Each had a distinct energy, but all fit within my personal taste — a balance of bold mark-making, expressive linework, and a strong sense of form.
I started with a loose sketch in blue pen, mirroring the energy of Sutherland’s plant study. Gwen John’s distinctive mark-making became an integral part of my background, adding layers of texture that gave my composition more depth. To complete the piece, I infused it with Malthouse’s vivid colour palette, bringing warmth and contrast to the figures in my drawing. The result was a fusion of all three influences, tied together by my own style and process.
This kind of spontaneous response to art — finding connections and translating them into new work — is a vital part of my practice. This archive is a brilliant resource for this, allowing endless discovery and inspiration. It’s a reminder that even the unseen corners of a museum’s collection can spark something entirely new.
