Hanging out with Matt Ryder

The Hangout with Rushdi

Hey guys, Matt Ryder is in this week, we talk about being an artist in the UAE. Like an actual artist with paint, brushes, canvases, easels.. you get it right? Although he does caricatures (he may frown that I led with that) he now spends majority of his time doing fine art and plein air paintings. That’s a French word, you learnt that here, you are welcome! He goes so far as to organize trips for groups of plein air enthusiasts to locations he has scouted around the UAE, weather permitting of course. Time stamps:- Intro with Matt 01:30 I ask Matt how he ended up here in the UAE and how he got into doing what he does. If he was a superhero, this is his origin story. To caricature or not to caricature? – 09:05 Matt talks about he was bitten by the Plein Air Painting bug which he hopes to pass onto other painters. As he rightly said “Im putting an image of a time on a canvas, which I think is important”, considering the speed at which our surroundings are developing this more relevant than ever. What is Plein Air Painting? – 17:51 Matt educates me about on what Plein Air Painting is all about and how he guides his group when they out and about. Also, I say “draw” at certain points, my apologies, I meant to say “paint”. I am not a complete dunce. Links to Matt’s work are in the show notes. Stories from Matt’s commissions –26:00 He talks about he’s changed and looking forward to change. Also he sends out good vibes to everyone and even though he swears you can hear the positivity in his tone and demeanor. Stories of Caricatures he’s done – 26:01 He shares stories which seems like the equivalent of being catfished because the person no longer resembles the picture he was given as a sample. How do exhibitions work? – 32:55 I asked this off the cuff because I do know a number of artists but seems as though they are unaware of how to showcase their work or get traction outside their own rooms or studios respectively. What’s it like to be full time artist in the region? – 38:08 We talk about the challenges within the region such as artists interest not being aligned and even the the dreaded currency of exposure. Plein Air Workshops with Matt Ryder – 48:13 How he goes about it conducting it, what it curtails and how you can get in touch with him. For those keen, he mentions that the last one for the year may be in March so do book your dates with him so you don’t miss out. As always please like, share, subscribe and slap someone with the links. I shower you with endless appreciation! Rushdi Rafeek Show notes:- Guest - Matt Ryder Website – www.ryderscanvas.com IG - @MattRyder Facebook – MattRyderArtist Email – [e-mail]