Figurative Nude (2022)

(90cm x 61cm)

I created this large-scale nude painting using a range of colours, tones, and textures to resemble the contrast of where the light strikes the body and the shadows darkened parts to form depth and intensity. I wanted to create a simplistic but powerful image of the figure which represented the beauty and elegance of the female body.  Whilst working on this piece, I decided to further this vision by adding splashes of colour and texture using a palette knife to make the painting more striking.

Jenny Saville Art Reproduction (2021)

(82cm x29cm)

Jenny Saville is an artist who has consistently inspired my artwork and strengthened my interest in figurative art. I enjoy her use of plus-size women in her paintings as I feel her work does not conform to beauty standards but creates its own authenticity through the representation of larger bodies. I used oil paint with a variety of colours to create a layered skin tone that resembles fleshy skin and texture. I truly admire Saville's work and appreciate her unique and imperfect, beautiful style.

Self-portrait (2022)

(40cm x 30cm)

For me, art has always been a significant part of my life. I have grown up surrounded by art enthusiasts who have encouraged me throughout my artistic journey. Creating a self-portrait allows me to relate and demonstrate my own personal relationship with art. To create this piece, I used oil paints with a variety of colours to form the perfect colour palette to emphasise depth in tone as well as a richness in the complexion.

Insomniac (2022)

(30cm x 21cm)

Oil painting

For this piece, I wanted to represent sleep deprivation and fatigue. Since recently struggling with sleep, excluding my thoughts and mind, I came to the conclusion that smell and sight are the main causes of my sleep deprivation.  Listening to music has always helped me to fall asleep, but other sounds and lights surrounding me can often distract me from sleeping.  I wanted to capture this by making the focus of this piece the ears and eyes. I used oil paint to create layers and texture, allowing the focal points to stand out.  

Impulsive (2021)

(50cm x 40cm)

Acrylic painting

Most of my paintings have either consisted of figures or portraits of either myself or people who have caught my attention.   However, for this piece, I wanted to explore a different style of art that was foreign to me but also exciting. I created an image capturing the random and uncertain side of art.  Visualising this piece led to the realisation that art can be inconclusive and subjective.   I wanted to create an explosion of colours and words, vibrant energy and imaginative chaos.

Tongue Tied (2021)

(30cm x 23cm)

Oil painting

For this piece, I captured an image of myself screaming which I had painting with oil. I used deep shades to create shadows and tone where defined parts of my neck and face were strong and tight. Whilst working on this piece, I felt as though it was missing something so I decided to sew string around the image to give it a different feel and make it more interesting and powerful.

Illusion (2022)

(40cm x 30cm)

Acrylic painting

As my passion for figurative art has grown, I wanted to experiment with different styles for painting the female body. For this piece, I aimed to define the curves of the female figure using a range of tones and colours. I used acrylic paint of a darker green for the outside line of the body which gradually lightens towards the centre. I used this same technique to further this illusion for the background. I wanted to create an abstract piece that allowed me to be looser with the colours and shapes but was a strong image of the female figure in all its beauty.

Wooden skin (2022)

(25cm x20cm)

Acrylic painting

Whilst progressing through my journey in figurative art, I wanted to use different materials to experiment with new techniques and styles for my work. For this piece, I used a wooden canvas on which I sketched out a figure and shaded it with a pencil. I feel as though the wood shining through the pencil sketch allows a beautiful image of texture on the skin whilst the acrylic paint on the bikini and the background creates strong contrast with the natural wooden surface of the figure. As I was working on this piece, I notice the way in which the pencil worked perfectly on the wood and blended effortlessly.

Blue light (2021)

(22cm x26cm)

Oil painting

For this piece, I was inspired by an image I had seen online. I loved how strong and prominent the blue looks in contrast with the black. I used oil paints as I feel they blend smoother and easier than acrylic. I love the way in which the shadows and shading of this piece give the impression of hiding and darkness but, in contrast, the blue allows a more vibrant and colourful image to emerge.

Jenny Saville Art Reproduction (2021) pt.2

(41cm x 29cm)

Oil painting

This piece is another example of how Jenny Saville diverts from society's beauty standards and forms a powerful and unique piece of a plus-size female body. I wanted to attempt this oil painting as I feel it is extremely eye-catching and a true representation of Saville's work. I love the positioning and centred focal point of this piece and enjoyed recreating the fleshy-toned colours.

James Shipton - wall painting (2021)

Acrylic painting

Art is a significant part of my life and surrounds me daily. My bedroom is where I present most of my pieces which allows me to demonstrate my true passion and identity. For my bathroom, I recreated several Shipton's paintings around the walls using acrylic paint.  For me, Shipton's art resembles a sense of vulnerability as well as the fragile side of the female body.  I wanted to create a large-scale piece of Shipton's work to show the flow of positions he captures of the female body.

Grandad (2021)

(30cm x 21cm)

This portrait of my Grandad was created as a memory. He encouraged me to pursue my passion and helped me grow as an artist. He took me on multiple visits to incredible galleries which helped me gain inspiration and develop my personal style and further my journey as an artist. For this painting, I used acrylic paint which I layered to create texture and tone.

What if? (2022)

(50cm x 40cm)

After seeing some paintings in this style online, I wanted to create a piece but with my personal input and design. I enjoy using small comments within my work as I feel it allows my paintings to speak for themselves. From a young age, I was told my dyslexia would inspire my imagination and it has allowed me to connect words with images that I wanted to show through my art. I created a free and vibrant energy within this painting, using acrylic paint to form the random and chaotic scenes.

Imperfectly perfect (2020)

(42cm x 30cm)

Continuing with figurative art, I used watered-down acrylic paint to create this nude. I used messy and relaxed brush stroked to form this piece. I also decided on an unnatural and diverse colour palette for the skin tones to demonstrate a unique and different style of painting. I allowed the painting to mostly cover the paper in order to create a close-up view of the body.

Keep on going (2020)

(36cm x 25cm)

This piece was inspired by a painting I saw online. I wanted to create this painting as I enjoy the bright and powerful colours used to create the skin tones as well as the clothes and background. I loved using this diverse and striking colour palette and enjoy the visual strength it gives the overall piece. I added the quote 'keep on going' as I feel although the image is quite subjective, for me personally, it represents how a vulnerable mindset can inspire bad habits.

James Shipton Art Reproduction (2021)

(41cm x 29cm)

Oil painting

This artist reproduction of a painting by James Shipton is a continuation of my artist study. The oil paint allowed me to layer the paint, forming texture, shading, and highlights. The diverse and unnatural colour palette also encouraged me to be more relaxed and freer with my paintbrush.

Artist Comparison in a sketchbook (2021)

(82cm x 29cm)

Oil painting

This piece was completed to show the comparison of women's bodies and how they are represented in art through different time periods. I used a painting by James Shipton alongside 'The Birth of Venus' by Sandro Botticelli to compare the modern and traditional pieces, showing the way in which they demonstrate different beauty standards within society.