My Kingston - Barrington Watson, Master Painter

Sunday, January 15, 2012

What are your earliest memories of Kingston?

My earliest memory would be way back in 1939 when my parents moved from St Ann's Bay to Kingston and I was going to the All Saints primary school on West Street and Matthews Lane. That's where I first started going to school in Kingston.

What do you miss when you are not in Kingston?

Well, I live in the country now so I am not in Kingston most of the time. I would say sometimes I miss the hustle and the bustle, which I wanted to get away from -- that's why I went to the country. I live in a very isolated place -- Orange Park, St Thomas -- so what I truly like is the quiet.

What are your favourite home comforts?

I love being able to paint at home.

What would you do if you were mayor (of Kingston) for a day?

I would enlarge the National Gallery.

What is your middle name?

Barrington. My first name is Basil.

Where did the desire to become a painter come from?

It just happened. I was born with it, I suppose... I suspect I wanted to paint from birth.

Who is your favourite artist?

Me. What can I tell you? I do have a lot of favourites but I am my own favourite.

What was the last bit of music you listened to that you truly enjoyed?

Beethoven's Concerto No 5.

What was your last retail therapy indulgence?

I walked into a shop in Miami and saw some slacks I liked and bought four pairs.

What is your preferred beverage?

Cognac.

What upsets you?

I am a diabetic, so anything that I cannot eat would upset me.

What was your most memorable meal in Kingston?

I usually eat at Redbones when I'm in Kingston. I like their chicken salad.

What would be your advice to a first-time visitor to Kingston?

I would advise you to visit a gallery on Hope Road called Gallery Barrington.

What are your favourite spots on the island?

Orange Park where I live.

Share your most-loved destinations in your black book.

I like New York in the United States; Rio de Janeiro in Brazil; in Europe, I love London and Amsterdam.

What do you think of the current generation of Jamaican artists?

Jamaican art has a long way to go and will go a long way because Jamaicans are very talented. There is a lot of young talent, but they have to develop first for me to tell who is going to be good. I even have a grandson Kai that's a painter. But it's hard for me to single out any one artist because I'm not actively in the field seeing the younger artists.

Is there a favourite painting that you have created?

The one I'm going to do. All the others were preparation for the next one..

What is your personal philosophy?

One step at a time.

Do you feel buying into Facebook now is a good investment for the long-run?
	Yes
	No

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My Kingston - Barrington Watson, Master Painter