In a remarkable new book, celebrated British artist David Gentleman distils nearly eight decades of professional wisdom into essential advice for anyone pursuing a creative life. At 95, the painter, designer, and muralist has finally compiled the lessons he was always reluctant to give, much to the surprise of his family.
A Lifetime of Observation
For his daughter, Guardian journalist Amelia Gentleman, growing up with a father wholly dedicated to his craft provided an unconventional education. While she didn't inherit his drawing talent, she absorbed invaluable principles about work, curiosity, and perseverance. David Gentleman's career spans from the late 1940s to the present, encompassing iconic London Underground murals, postage stamp designs, watercolours, and powerful reportage sketches of events like the 2011 Tottenham riots.
His latest publication, Lessons for Young Artists, is not just for art students but for anyone seeking to build a fulfilling creative career. Through conversations in his Camden studio, Amelia has identified ten core tenets from her father's extraordinary life and work.
Building a Life Around Passion
The foundation of Gentleman's philosophy is to build a life doing what you love. The son of two painters, he never saw art as a risky path. He supported his family through diverse projects—book covers, logos, murals, and paintings—developing a phenomenal work ethic driven by genuine enthusiasm. "Work doesn't feel like work," his daughter observes, a lesson she applied to her own career in journalism.
Procrastination has no place in his routine. There is no waiting for a muse; ideas arrive at the desk, pencil in hand. Now in his tenth decade, he still climbs five flights to his top-floor studio daily, demonstrating that discipline, not just inspiration, fuels creativity.
Curiosity, Organisation, and Embracing Challenge
His practice is a balance of rigorous order and open-minded exploration. His studio is a model of organisation: pencils sharpened, paints sorted by shade, brushes arranged by size. This structured environment allows for spontaneous creation. Yet, his subject matter is wildly varied, from serene Suffolk landscapes to stark anti-war posters featuring splattered red paint.
Gentleman maintains a voracious curiosity, finding beauty in the unconventional, like industrial gasometers or wartime ruins. This was evident when, in his 80s, he sketched the aftermath of the Tottenham riots alongside police and reporters, believing on-the-spot drawings held unique power.
He never shies from daunting commissions. His monumental murals at Charing Cross tube station, depicting medieval workers, required scaling up tiny wood engravings—a massive undertaking that stretched his abilities.
Lessons Beyond the Studio
Daily walks in Regent's Park or Primrose Hill are essential for inspiration, proving that time away from work is crucial. He cultivates a deep appreciation for the natural world, from intricate cloud formations to the fleeting beauty of hawthorn blossom—a passion he has successfully passed on to his initially sceptical children.
Perhaps the most enduring lesson is resilience. "Don't be disheartened by mistakes," Amelia notes. The process involves hard work, not genius. If a piece goes badly, the advice is to set it aside, have a cup of tea, read the paper, and return with fresh eyes.
David Gentleman's career is a testament to sustained passion and mindful practice. His lessons, captured at 95, offer a timeless guide not only to making art but to building a meaningful and observant life.
Lessons for Young Artists by David Gentleman is published by Particular (£20).
