At 95, the esteemed British artist David Gentleman has distilled a lifetime of creative wisdom into a new book, Lessons for Young Artists. For his daughter, Guardian journalist Amelia Gentleman, this is a surprising turn from a father who was always encouraging but never instructive. His brilliant career, spanning eight decades from watercolours to Tube station murals, now forms the basis of clear, practical advice for anyone building a creative life.
The Foundations of a Creative Life
David Gentleman's parents were both painters, so pursuing art never seemed an impossible dream. He has sustained himself through painting, drawing, and designing everything from book covers and stamps to logos and the iconic murals at Charing Cross Tube station. Amelia notes his phenomenal work ethic, developed simply because creating art is all he ever wanted to do. The lesson is clear: try to build a life doing what you love, so work ceases to feel like labour.
There is no room for procrastination in his philosophy. Ideas do not arrive via muse; they come when you are at your desk with a pencil in hand. Nearly every day of his adult life, Gentleman has risen early and gone straight to work. Now, at 95, he still navigates five flights of stairs to his Camden studio, his commitment unwavering.
Inspiration, Observation, and Organisation
While discipline is key, so is seeking inspiration beyond the studio. Daily walks through Regent’s Park or Primrose Hill are essential. These outings foster a deep appreciation for the natural world, particularly the sky. Amelia recalls countless conversations spent analysing cloud formations, the grey tones of approaching rain, or the silhouette of winter trees.
This meticulous observation extends to his workspace. Contrary to the stereotype of artistic chaos, his studio is a model of organisation. Drawers hold sharpened pencils and tubes of paint sorted by shade; brushes are arranged by size in teacups. This order ensures everything is accessible, allowing work to begin without hindrance.
Embracing Challenge and Experimentation
Gentleman's work is not confined to conventionally beautiful subjects. He finds inspiration in industrial gasometers by Regent’s Canal or WWII defences on Suffolk beaches. His art also serves protest, such as creating powerful anti-war banners. This requires staying curious and engaged with the world, as demonstrated when he sketched the aftermath of the 2011 Tottenham riots in his eighties.
He advises against shying away from difficult projects. Major undertakings, like the Charing Cross murals, stretch your abilities. The final, crucial lesson is to persist. Don't be disheartened by mistakes. If work is going badly, set it aside, take a break, and return to try again. Progress comes from hard work, not innate genius.
Through a lifetime of watching her father, Amelia Gentleman has learned that a creative career is built on passion, discipline, curiosity, and resilience—lessons now beautifully encapsulated for everyone in Lessons for Young Artists.
