'My Morning Cup of....' with John Marshall

At the Two Kats and a Cow Gallery John Marshall is the man behind the cow. Given his single subject matter, the variety and consistently evolving approach is astonishing. His paintings are in collections throughout the world and his work has been exhibited alongside that of contemporary masters Paula Rego, Terry Frost and Mary Fedden at the Royal College of Art. You can see John's paintings here and prints here

What drink do you have to start the day?

Instant coffee. Arrive in the studio, kettle on - instant coffee, hot and sweet.

What are your studio essentials?

I know this is a seasonal essential, but I rely on my wood stove which has been blasting away for months. If I run out of logs I go home.

What do you listen to whilst you work?

Podcasts and old vinyl. I subscribe to dozens of podcasts. Current favourites include: The Moth, Radio Lab, This American Life and Car Talk. Recent LPs - both from the 1960s: Burt Bacharach 'Hit Maker' and  a live recording of the Woodstock Festival.

What has been the most influential advice someone has given you?

"Be professional"  Gary Goodman, Art Lecturer and friend, said that to me decades ago. It was and remains very good advice. Thanks Gary.

What was the last thing you saw that inspired you?

'The Painter Albert Melida' by Edgar Degas. Degas' affectionate and striking portrait of his brother-in-law seems to have captured him with a mighty pink-eyed hangover; whatever the circumstances this astonishing painting succeeds by juxtaposing the impressive face of Melida with a pulsating orange background, a clash that only works by using background colour throughout the portrait.  I've attempted to emulate this technique in recent works like 'Crispin'. Tricky to emulate the High Priest that is Degas but fun to try!

What are you looking forward to in 2017?

Getting married.