Art in the field

For Hubert de Watrigant it is the essence, rather than the detail, of a subject that counts. By Janet Menzies

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FRENCH equestrian artist Hubert de Watrigant's exhibition at the Osborne Studio Gallery in London is now in full swing, which means that before long his paintings will be moving on to their new homes. "The exhibition is soon over and then I go back to my studio and it is empty," he sighs. "I have spent so much time with these paintings, and now I hope they will have new lives with their new owners. When you send a child to school, at least you get them back at the end of the day."

It is surprising to think of such a respected and successful artist suffering from empty-nest syndrome but de Watrigant confesses he has always been the same. "With exhibitions I hide on the opening day. My first was 50 years ago and I still question myself. So I go into a coffee shop and say 'you can call me if there is anything'. I am still shy and nervous about my work because you never know," he reveals.