Viewing my future creative horizons whilst painting at Embankment, London February 2012 (Image: L. Windham)
In June 2011 I quit my full-time job as support worker with a homeless charity in London. After several years of service helping vulnerable adults I came to the realisation that the role had morphed into tick box results rather than a genuine compassion or striving to make positive changes in those vulnerable people’s lives. At that moment I felt that it was time to embark on my art career. After all, painting was my ability, and I owed it to myself. The journey since then has been exciting, challenging and creatively expanding in so many ways.
The original homepage for Eddify website, August 2011. The website was replaced by edmund palao.com in January 2018 after I took advice from a professional mentor suggesting that I use my own name for my art brand.
A key element was the importance of having like minded peer groups and networks. When I say like minded, I mean having creative people around you who ultimately want the same thing: success.
I initially created a website entitled eddify.com. Being a play on words with my short name Eddie and the word ‘edify’, it reflected the philosophy of what I wanted to achieve, that is creating uplifting work.
I concentrated on plein air views of London landmarks and the River Thames, taking my cue from artists such as Peter Brown (well known for his city views).
During one of the first evenings that I painted (capturing a sunset view overlooking Battersea Power Station) I sold the piece to a passer by… and the picture wasn’t even finished! It was a good omen and showed that working directly from life not only produced authentic paintings but also potential art deals on the spot from members of the public.
With the Mayor of Haringey at the opening of Haringey Impressions at Bruce Castle Museum, October 2012
In between small showings at church hall events, I received a phenomenal break in 2012 when offered a solo show by a friend who was a co-curator at Bruce Castle Museum in north London. Haringey Impressions showcased many paintings of mine depicting the north London borough, from the greenery of the Parkland Walk near Crouch End to housing estates such as Broadwater Farm in Tottenham. It was a wonderful experience and got me especially thinking about artwork size, scale and presentation.
Kew Green, Night 2015 acrylic on board 30 x 50 cm
This plein air painting was a companion piece to a larger series of commissioned works of the same location depicting the four seasons. Night time scenes such as this one, however, always brought excitement, especially with the pools of artificial lighting,
In 2014 I joined the professional art network Be Smart About Art which moved my career forward several notches. It helped me to put a framework around my practice and gave me confidence and a focus that I did not possess before. The network hosted workshops led by successful artists, art world practitioners and insiders, who covered wide ranging topics from pricing art, effective online presence, building professional relationships and attitude, just to name a few. Through regular meet ups I built friendships with like minded peers and other professionals whilst receiving several opportunities for exhibitions and other openings. I also joined ArtCan, a non-profit network for enabling artists careers. (ArtCan itself has grown incredibly, proving that grass roots dedication of artists gets results.)
At Roy’s Fair, Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, October 2019
Over the years the subjects of my work focused less on central London themes and more on urban environments (often inspired by Danny Markey’s dry placeless visions), seeking out busy a-roads, backlands, wheelie bins and night time streets.
Receiving commissions from clients are always exciting and daunting in equal measure. The pressure of producing bespoke work to a tight set of instructions often got me out of my comfort zone to create better quality work. It was always a pleasure to produce work for people as it often held a personal meaning behind the commission, such as a happy memory or specific place such as a home.
I persevered with entering art competitions and after several unsuccessful attempts I was selected for the prestigious ING Discerning Eye. I also exhibited at major art fairs such as The Other Art Fair in Bristol and the Roy’s Fair in London. The camaraderie amongst the artists during the events was wonderful. The risks of making a financial gain or loss is part and parcel of such events but, as a fellow artist once stated, “We’re gamblers.”
A406 Brent Cross 2018 acrylic on board 10 x 15 cm (4 x 6 inches)
Urban roadways feature prominently in my work. They are places to take people places.
In 2017 I decided to ‘give something back’ and became a mentor at University of Westminster, where I did my art degree in 1996. It’s special to share one’s own knowledge and experience of the art world with students and introduce them to networks and to assure them that it all need not be scary!
Having clients and followers are the most special benefit of being an artist and it also keeps me responsible. To help with promotion and viewership engagement I started a regular blog in 2018 with stories about my art experiences and the artists and themes that inspire and drive me forward.
Harpenden 2021 acrylic on board 10 x 15 cm (4 x 6 inches)
As a member of ArtCan I donated this recent urban painting for the fundraiser From ArtCan with Love.
In 2020 the lockdowns brought new kinds of challenge, from not having physical exhibitions and networking - a vital lifeline in art careers - to finding inspiration and motivation sparse at times; however, much of my art practice hasn't been disrupted at all and using online platforms feels very much the same as it always has. In fact writing my blog posts has been of great benefit during the leaner moments.
The last ten years has allowed me to grow as an artist, through confidence, ability and professional attitude. Peer group members have been vital as it is not always easy to receive feedback! But I have the courage to appraise my work in a critical way. I have also learnt not to compare myself to others but instead learn from them what works. And not to give up. That what it takes to be successful.