Leeds-based artist, David Questa, talks us through his artistic process, inspirations, and how his work captures the spirit of the city.
Originally from York, artist David Questa has lived in Leeds for 13 years. His work mostly focuses on urban landscapes depicting where he has lived or visited. A concept he learnt during his time studying an illustration degree at Anglia Ruskin University, the importance of drawing from direct observation has remained central to his practice.
David’s art is inspired by his surroundings, whether that be where he’s living, working, or where he’s travelled to: “Before I moved to Leeds I moved around and travelled quite a lot, I’ve lived in London, Melbourne, Bradford, Nottingham, and Cambridge! I always take photographs and sketch books with me whenever I travel because I think there’s something about drawing from real life that gives you a stronger connection to a place.”
Throughout his career, David has taken inspiration from other artists: “I always enjoyed drawing as a child and York artist, Jake Attree, was an early influence on me. He came to do a workshop when I was at school, and I really liked his heavily textured paintings of urban scenes. Today, one of my main influences is Madrid-based Antonio Lόpez, who creates similar urban landscapes. Obviously, he’s pretty much consistently got sunshine, and the light is usually in the same place – working on-site in the UK is a bit more challenging!”
Despite the temperamental Leeds weather, working outside is David’s preferred approach whenever possible: “It’s sometimes difficult to get the same spontaneity and freshness when working from a studio or at home that you get when on-site. Most of my current work is based on being present and even though it’s not all done on location, I always start with some quick sketches and photographs at the place and then take it to the studio.
“I like to make a few visits over time as sometimes it’s about trying to find the best angle or lighting. You can get a very different viewpoint at different times of the day, especially when looking at buildings and the way the light catches them.”
Leeds is an ever-evolving, dynamic city and capturing its essence is central to David’s art: “In the 10 years that I’ve been drawing Leeds, there’s been a lot of development; it’s been good to see that change in my work overtime.
“A lot of people comment on the sense of movement that I include in pieces which happens as I progress with the drawing. I start by mapping out everything that’s static and permanent to establish a scaffold on which the moving elements can be added; layers of people, cars, bikes, and buses, carefully observed or seen in fleeting moments and sketched in quickly. The piece becomes an accumulation of layers to create the sense of transience and busyness in the city.”Confidence and spontaneity are key in art for David: “I like to leave a lot of things to chance; while I have a pretty clear idea about what I want to include, I always leave myself room for it to develop and change over time. I work with a lot of charcoal, pencil, and watercolour which aren’t very forgiving – you can’t just rub them out! The key is not overthinking too much.”
David is pursuing his full-time love for art sharing his knowledge with budding artists as Head of Art and Photography at Horsforth School while displaying and selling his works at two North Leeds galleries: “Headrow Gallery in Alwoodley and Smart Gallery in Chapel Allerton have my work on display, with options to buy original work or prints from both. I’m currently developing a series of paintings based on more rural landscapes and I’m keen to get into the Yorkshire Dales to look at drawing some more natural landscapes. I also do commissions, and I’d love to do more!”
