Joining us for her first time at Tamworth we have Sophie Long

Sophie Long

Nue quick 5

Tell us a little about yourself and what got you started painting ?

I have painted all my life.. I remember being a young child and sitting down with my dad learning to draw and paint. He has the patience of a saint and far more talent than I could ever dream of. I then continued to paint throughout my school years.. I even went on to do an art foundation degree.. but somewhere along the way I got a little lost.. I naively felt I should have grasped my own style and subject matter as an artist.. and due to losing my confidence I simply stopped.. put my brushes away and forgot the joy I felt from painting for years. After many years of working in a corporate office environment I decided I’d had enough. I knew I wanted to do something different but I didn’t know what. Due to a sports related injury I ended up being incapacitated for quite some time and decided to pick up a paintbrush during my recovery.. with the thanks of social media platforms I had commissions rolling in quicker than I could paint.. and over time my confidence grew and I knew this was what I wanted to do for as long as I am able.

Best place you have painted?

It’s got to be said.. painting at UPFEST for an artist is a feeling like no other. It’s a combination of overwhelming pride and nerve wracking happiness. Painting in front of thousands of people, being asked to sketch and sign in children’s autograph books, being able to express yourself and spread awareness doing something you absolutely love is the best feeling in the world.

Any big plans for this year ?

I plan to have a solo exhibition in Bristol this year.. I also plan to paint some large murals .. maybe even give one away. Watch this space.

Tell us your funniest moments when out painting?

I sometimes pop timelapse cameras up when I am painting to document from start to finish. Last year I started painting a pig and it went a little bit wrong.. and I managed to record a timelapse of me having full blown tantrum and scribbling blasphemies over the canvas. What’s funnier is that it still sold.

Anyone who you would like to collaborate with?

JODY .. who is a spray genius as well as Nomad Clan.. again.. they are jaw droppingly talented.