Delphine de Castellane

Years after leaving France I still struggle with my English, but there’s something so direct about painting it’s almost easier than talking, and if people don’t understand what I’m trying to paint it doesn’t matter. I work fast, so there are loads of rejects. The trick is to get them on the fire before my husband sees them; he’s a terrible hoarder. Painting helps me see things better and even a sketch can take me back to a place better than a photo can. I can recognise some of the cows and chickens I paint, even sketchy ones, years after they have died. Sometimes I see them about to move on the paper. It’s hard to stop when you’re into a painting - like playing a fish - and sometimes you lose one, but it’s a great feeling going home with something at the end of the day.