Watercolor painter Ted Nuttall.

Scottsdale Artists’ School: What inspires you? Ted Nuttall: I’m inspired by many things such as good books, writing, great movies, acting and beautiful music. Each of these can have a significant impact on my work. Most of all, I am inspired by the work of accomplished, celebrated figurative painters using different mediums.

SAS: Have you always been drawn to the world of fine arts?
TN: Although I drew a lot when I was younger, I don’t remember ever consciously thinking that I wanted to be an artist. However, I was lucky enough to have a great art teacher when I started high school. She began to introduce me to the work of great artists of the past and encouraged me to explore art in a way that was very fulfilling and inspiring. When I began to paint and started teaching later in life much of this came back to me, and I began a concerted effort to educate and immerse myself in the world of fine art. It’s been a great love affair ever since.

SAS: Can you describe the moment you sold your first painting?
TN: Selling work is always exhilarating, and while making the sale is nice, it’s the thrill of someone else loving my work enough to buy it that has always meant the most to me. I do remember that first sale and the boost to my confidence.

Ted Nuttall, The Morning in My Eyes, watercolor, 15¾ x 22¾" (40 x 57 cm)

SAS: Was there a pivotal moment when you knew it was time to transition into a full-time career as a painter?
TN: A domino effect occurred shortly after becoming an instructor. I had submitted a painting to my first American Watercolor Society Exhibition that was ultimately selected to be on the cover of the fall 2003 issue of American Artist magazine. That’s when the demand for my work began.

SAS: What encouraged you to paint portraits?
TN: I feel my work revolves around the study of a person’s essence more so than being a portrait. I find it more engaging to channel my focus on a person’s expressions and emotions, processing that with critical thought before bringing them to life in the painting.

Ted Nuttall, Sacred Space, watercolor, 26 x 17½" (66 x 44 cm)

SAS: Tell us about how your teaching career began.
TN: I was a graphic designer for over 25 years and took up painting as a hobby at the age of 40. Ten years later I took a Charles Reid workshop at Scottsdale Artists’ School and on the third day, Charles encouraged me to become an instructor at SAS. So here I am, and I’ve been teaching since 2003.

SAS: What is it like to teach at the Scottsdale Artists’ School?
TN: I have had a long and enjoyable relationship with Scottsdale Artists’ School. It’s a terrific and supportive environment. The classrooms are open and roomy, the staff very positive and helpful, and the creative energy, in general, has always been great. I always look forward to teaching with them.

Ted Nuttall, Josslyn, watercolor, 15¼ x 22¾" (38 x 57 cm)

SAS: What is the ultimate goal you wish to achieve with your students during your upcoming workshop?
TN: My approach to teaching is defined by something I once heard Charles Reid say, “Painting is a state of mind, not a state of a brush. Splashing paint on paper or canvas with the hand without splashing it on with the head first will just make a mess.” I would like for my students to walk away with a deeper appreciation of critical thinking as part of the painting process as a way for them to discover who they are as a painter and how to use that knowledge to make better work. —

Visit www.scottsdaleartschool.org for more information on the school and its upcoming workshops.