Bonnie is a Pirate

My paintings are essentially optimistic, I achieve this particularly through use of colour, which has such a strong impact on mood and atmosphere. I originally trained as a designer (BA hons Fashion, Central St Martins 1993) and the influence of my love of textiles can be seen in my use of contrasting colours, texture and pattern.

 

Stylised individual trees have been a constant theme in my work since 2012, they are currently rounded, centred, and uplifting. Watching my local landscape change through the seasons in all weathers allows me to notice the new and unexpected tree colours created by different light.

 

Drawing the human figure, trying to capture moments in time and changing light has always run parallel to any of my other work. My figure paintings are from life, I work in mixed media, using multilayered  combinations of collage, ink, paint, and metal leaf. I use collage to draw initially, tracking the effects of light across the body using repurposed scraps of paper and studio waste. Usually I prefer to draw women,  because I can empathize with the physical feeling of a pose. This commonality helps me to create images which are definitely nudes, but which are comfortable and familiar rather than voyeuristic.

 

My choice of collage as a medium is both aesthetic and environmental, as I am making a conscious effort to move away from using acrylic paint.

Life drawing, collaged on canvas.

Mixed Media | Collage, Acrylic, Metal Leaf

50x35cm

Framed