Eva M.V. Hewitt
My Spanish Odyssey
Since being awarded the 2023 Hunt Medal, the encouragement and mentorship provided to me by the Steven Campbell Trust team, has allowed me to excel in my further studies and grow in my career. This year I completed my Master’s in Fine Art at GSA; thereafter, I undertook an artist residency at The Nacional Museo del Prado, Madrid. The Steven Campbell Trust has been constant in its ongoing support, guidance and backing. I offer sincere thanks to those who operate at the very heart of the Trust: Carol Campbell, John Ferry, Neil Gilmour, Marion Marlow and Sandy Moffat – who embody the spirit of the Trust and demonstrate its core values.
Without a doubt, the most valuable aspects of my Masters programme were the one-to-one tailored tutorials. These were led by high-calibre artists whose work I have admired for many years. Namely, GSA alumni Stuart MacKenzie (RSA) and Michael Fullerton. Both encouraged and challenged my artistic practice, inspiring me to engage with, and research intently, the paintings of the great masters. Following my tutorial with Stuart MacKenzie, he nominated me for the 2024 Richard Ford Award – a prestigious accolade which he himself was the recipient of in 1983. This London-based award allows artists to study independently and directly from the masterpieces in the Prado. This intensive period of study is designed to develop knowledge of painting and drawing by direct exposure to the works in the Prado collection.
After arriving in Madrid, I was warmly welcomed to the Prado by Marisa Sanchez Gomez and Paloma Herranz González. I know the importance of establishing a consistent routine, to ensure good time management and discipline. Sketching in the public setting of the museum holds its own unique quality and hearing the reactions of visitors was a very honest, raw and rare insight, in real time! This contrasts starkly with my usual routine which involves more solitary work in my studio. The process is usually hidden and only the final pieces are selected for public viewing. My time at the Prado allowed me to grow in confidence, embracing my own style of mark making and maintaining focus on my muse of choice. Behind the scenes at the museum, I had access to the restoration workshop and the drawings cabinet. I could not quite believe the close proximity I had to the pieces, most notably some original works of Rubens, Goya and El Greco.
I was surrounded by onlookers from all over the world, hearing a range of languages spoken. Although verbal communication is key, I would argue that the work transcended the spoken word and united us under a universally understood language – the visual language of art.
My Spanish odyssey allowed me to reflect not only on my sketched outcomes (which I reviewed at the end of each day) but also the place where my museum work started. I fondly remember my mum taking me to visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum as a child; there, I would sketch the animals from life. The Nacional Museo del Prado, felt somewhat like an upgrade!
I acknowledge with gratitude the time I have spent at GSA and I eagerly look forward to continuing my connection with the Steven Campbell Trust. It is vital for me to protect and honour his legacy. My experience will stay with me for life, and the learning I have gained will greatly contribute to the furtherance of my career.
The Steven Campbell Trust 