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Faces, faces, faces! I really enjoy people's faces, always have, and particularly the eyes. And what really fascinates me are the nuances and differing spirits that shine through the different characters of those I paint.
When painting portraits I like to get to know my sitters as well as possible, if possible, so I can reveal more of their spirit (or what's behind the external features of the sitter) than any photo could. Although I also paint from just photos - for example, when the subject is abroad or has died. I look for the best in each person who I paint and hopefully help them see that aspect of themselves too. I love colour and my portraits tend to be quite bold, with bright colours - although not always as, for example, I find some characters demand a more subtle approach as their characters are showing vulnerability or a sensitivity that wouldn't suit bright, bold colours. For the last few years I have painted with palette knives, having moved away from painting with brushes in pursuit of more spontaneity. I even painted abstracts briefly for the same reason. Now I am re-introducing the brushes, in addition to my palette knife work, appreciating the variety and range of marks. My main love and passion is painting people and trying to capture their essence! |
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A few fun facts about me:
- My mum always said that she felt like I was already drawing and painting in her tummy...
- I am married to my soulmate and love of my life, another artist - we married after knowing each other only 2 months, and that was back in 2001!
- I've travelled a lot and lived on four continents - Europe, USA (8yrs), Brazil (16 yrs) and Cameroon, Africa (3yrs). I have commissioned portraits of mine now scattered around the world.
- My husband, Markus (who is mainly an abstract artist), and I make collaborative work, which we call 'Icons'
- My mum always said that she felt like I was already drawing and painting in her tummy...
- I am married to my soulmate and love of my life, another artist - we married after knowing each other only 2 months, and that was back in 2001!
- I've travelled a lot and lived on four continents - Europe, USA (8yrs), Brazil (16 yrs) and Cameroon, Africa (3yrs). I have commissioned portraits of mine now scattered around the world.
- My husband, Markus (who is mainly an abstract artist), and I make collaborative work, which we call 'Icons'
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BIOGRAPHY
I was born in the UK and went to Farnham School of Art for a very exciting foundation course, followed by three years at Chelsea School of Art, London. I have always been fascinated by faces and have painted portraits, often through the night, even while studying graphics at Chelsea Art School. Recently I have seen how my training in graphics has influenced my work in a positive way. I have led a colourful life, leaving England in 1978 and living in the USA, then Brazil for 16 yrs (where I had my 4 wonderful children) and then Cameroon, before returning to the UK in 2004. |
I painted commissions wherever I lived, so they are scattered around the world - including one permanent exhibit of the gallery owner of a prestigious gallery in Vitoria, Brazil. During my years in Brazil I held exhibitions in Vitoria, ES, Florianopolis, SC, and in Sao Paulo, SP. Before then I also held exhibitions in San Francisco in the early '80's.
Returning to the UK in 2004 and after surviving an aggressive cancer, I painted many portraits and commissions, while also holding various joint and solo exhibitions around the UK and in London, often showing my work together with my husband, Markus.
While living in Hampshire, these included Open Studios, exhibitions in Alton; Winchester; Petersfield and Kensington Church St. and Camden, London.
In 2022 Markus and I moved to Hastings, East Sussex, and were artists in residence at Bannatyne Hotel for two months. We have had our work on show in different venues almost every month since then. It's been a lively time! We also had our work in the Boomer Gallery, nr Tower Bridge, London and also had a pop-up gallery called Blast for 3 months, where I curated the work of around 50 artists, holding a different show every 2 weeks. We were back there in 2024, for the months of Sept and Oct!
As well as commissioned portraits I also paint 'imaginary portraits'. If interested please click the button below to see them
Returning to the UK in 2004 and after surviving an aggressive cancer, I painted many portraits and commissions, while also holding various joint and solo exhibitions around the UK and in London, often showing my work together with my husband, Markus.
While living in Hampshire, these included Open Studios, exhibitions in Alton; Winchester; Petersfield and Kensington Church St. and Camden, London.
In 2022 Markus and I moved to Hastings, East Sussex, and were artists in residence at Bannatyne Hotel for two months. We have had our work on show in different venues almost every month since then. It's been a lively time! We also had our work in the Boomer Gallery, nr Tower Bridge, London and also had a pop-up gallery called Blast for 3 months, where I curated the work of around 50 artists, holding a different show every 2 weeks. We were back there in 2024, for the months of Sept and Oct!
As well as commissioned portraits I also paint 'imaginary portraits'. If interested please click the button below to see them
