12   THE ART OBSERVER July 2006 David Croft interviews the artist Stacey Manton DC: How did you get into painting? SM: Basically, I always knew from quite a young age really, that it was what I wanted to do. I did my first oil painting at about age seven and I’ve always painted since. I got into graphic design and advertising just as a means to make a living really. DC: I’ve noticed that you paint a lot of homeless people and down and outs around Manchester… SM: Street life, yes. DC: How do you go about doing that? Do you take photos or ask them if they would mind being painted? SM: Yes, what I usually do is give them a couple of quid so they can get themselves a coffee, and they just let me get a shot. Depending on how amicable they are, you know, some of them aren’t too friendly! I’ve resorted to drive-by photography, with a big zoom lens and hidden cameras. But I find the best way is to have a quick chat and offer to buy them a beer, and usually they’ll oblige. The thing with that though, it’s as soon as you ask them, the pose changes. Occasionally it’s just nice to get them as they are. That’s why it’s good to use the hidden cameras; I’ve got all sorts of little 8mm cameras. DC: So do you generally paint from photographs then? SM: Generally yes.   Because of the subject matter, it’s just not feasible to sit for any length of time. DC: How did you end up doing the artwork for I Am Kloot? SM: I am Kloot are a hugely talented bunch of musicians. I was introduced to the band by the drummer who is an old mate. He had previously seen some of my paintings of the Didsbury and Chorlton bench characters that he was familiar with being from the locality.   So when after a few years they were signed to a record label they decided they wanted to use a few paintings for the album covers etc. It has been a great success for both parties as the art and music go well together. As they are touring Europe almost continuously I get great feedback from fans of the band that also pick up on the traditional sleeve artwork, which seems to be lost in the age of digital downloading and imaging. DC: Have you got anything else in the pipeline for the near future? SM: I have just returned from a trip to San Francisco where they really do have some wild characters which was the main reason for my visit. I really had some fun getting photos and plan to return soon for more reference. For me a city as well as being about the architecture, landscape, skyline, it’s also about the people on the corners, at bus stops, in doorways; they are a great part of the overall feel of the place and that is what I am capturing. I am nearing the completion of several large works based on Manchester city centre which I would like to show later in the year if it all goes to plan. Then I can begin the “Streets of San Francisco” series of paintings, which I am very excited about, and should raise a few laughs and eyebrows. WHAT A CHARACTER! EXPLORING THE STREET LIFE IN MANCHESTER AND SAN FRANCISCO Bottom left: Man in Slippers  Above: Image used by ‘I am Kloot’ By Sarah Crane When viewing the third John Sutherst solo exhibition at the Wendy Levy Gallery throughout June, one could be amazed at the true variety of subject matter and style present. Indeed, the preview on the 1st June was very well received by the public who were delighted by the diversity of paintings on show. John was on hand to answer any questions individuals may have had and the warm summer’s evening attracted a large number of people who came to browse the work of arts available and simultaneously enjoy a glass of wine. Since 1975, John has been exhibiting his work regularly around the UK and the USA where paintings are included in public and private collections. He was initially a renowned gynaecologist who began to develop his artistic skills after he realised he wanted to make more of his talent for drawing and painting. Some of John’s contemporaries in the medical field arrived at the June preview eager to observe, and buy his art. Nowadays, John spends more time in his studio than working as a consultant. He is inspired by the human form as well as by other familiar subjects such as landscapes, flowers and still life studies. His technique is as varied as his subject matter, ranging from flowers, figures and land- scapes produced in pastels, to semi abstract figure paintings in oils and strongly coloured abstract paintings on canvas. All of his paintings are visually stimulating with their variety of subject matter and media combined with a colour-orientated focus alongside a vision that is continually developing. From Gynaecology to Art