Artists Describing Their Art:
Melanie Williamson - Moving to Scotland in 2001, Melanie has recently placed more emphasis on painting, moving away from her printmaking background. Introduced to encaustic techniques while studying painting at Leith School of Art, Melanie has incorporated the use of wax with oils and pigments in her painting. The use of these mediums has allowed Melanie to develope texture, creating the movement and depth of colour of the Scottish landscape.The dramatic seasonal flora and environmental variations are a continual source of inspiration for her work. Using sketches and collected objects as reference, Melanie works from her studio in Edinburgh's Leith....
Angelique Monaghan - I am a self taught artist and have painted since I was a young child. I am 28 and live in New Zealand, I have three young children, so paint mainly at nighttime! I have been mainly focused on painting portraits since I was 16, recently I have branched out into a less traditional sense of the portrait, perhaps more symbolistic and a tad surreal. I never plan my paintings, preferring to just grab a blank canvas, load up some paints, chuck on some music and paint whatever comes to mind.They seldom turn out how I envisage them! But it is a surrendering to the unconscious thats generally proves the most worthwhile. I started exhibiting my works in Christchurch when I was 17. Since then I have exhibited in several group shows throughout christchurch, I have also exhibited in Nelson and been part of a travelling exhibition in 1998 from christchurch to Waiheke island to Sydney, Australia. I have also exhibited in cafes throughout Nelson and Christchurch, and completed a mural for the Nelson plunket rooms as well as other commissioned portrait pieces. Acrylics have always been my preferred medium, although I have dabbled in oils, watercolours, gouache etc...
Seidai Tamura - I dedicate my life to realism, a realistic rendition in oil. YouTube Process Videos youtu.bev-1nD5lLcQw youtu.beSHkt6sSRqos youtu.bevi1ajAYaVcI ...
Stephen Cunliffe - Opaque colour fields and lines reiterate the logic of pictorial space but without the chiaroscuro modeling. Simplification presents colour and gesture as ideographic, not as metaphor for abstract notions such as mystical ideologies or equivalents for emotions. Colours and lines, canvas are factual....
Soņa Holman - Sona Holman Statement "I am painter of lyrical abstracts, using acrylics on canvas or paper. I think of my work as landscapes of the spirit, using expressive, organic form that is evocative of cellular & figurative elements and aspects of the natural realm. The effects of transformation and the energy of change inspire me. Fascinated by the subconscious, I often paint from the inside out, where the artistic process reveals the intention and form of the work. Starting with a beginner's mind, the act of painting becomes a form spiritual expression for me. It is the balance of fragility and strength found in nature and the human psyche that influences much of my exploration. The work is continually evolving and, in my mind, is best realized when concurrently metaphoric, peaceful and dynamic." March 2009 www.sonaholman.com ...