Friesian Calf on Yellow, watercolour and pastel on paper, 193⁄4x271⁄2in (50x70cm). ‘For this energetic and playful young calf I used a yellow background to keep the picture lively and fresh, and to provide a striking contrast to its black patches.’
James Bartholomew developed an interest in painting while illustrating his final project for Design Tech Alevel. Soon after leaving college he rented a studio in an old mill; the rent was £25 a week, which was £25 a week more than he would sometimes earn.
The thinking was that making such a commitment would motivate him to make it work – he has worked as a fulltime artist ever since.