I was born in 1977 and have lived near the North coast of Cornwall for most of my life. I grew up in a rural cottage,
the fourth of six children. It was a somewhat rustic upbringing, but a happy enough time, despite the fact there was
very little money. We were never put under any pressure to achieve academically, but were encouraged to read and
this is something that has stood me in good stead - Art and literature are both embedded in my soul.
I always enjoyed art and craft as a girl, but I didn't begin to think of it seriously until I went to secondary school,
where my work was singled out and praised by my art teachers. I was very surprised and pleased about this, as I was
pretty average at everything else and was rather shy and introverted at this time. This brought me out of myself a
little, gave me focus and helped me to develop a sense of identity.
I remember at the start of my artistic career, aged 12, being given a box of watercolours from WHSmith, I was really
chuffed with them, and that was the beginning of my passion for the medium.
the fourth of six children. It was a somewhat rustic upbringing, but a happy enough time, despite the fact there was
very little money. We were never put under any pressure to achieve academically, but were encouraged to read and
this is something that has stood me in good stead - Art and literature are both embedded in my soul.
I always enjoyed art and craft as a girl, but I didn't begin to think of it seriously until I went to secondary school,
where my work was singled out and praised by my art teachers. I was very surprised and pleased about this, as I was
pretty average at everything else and was rather shy and introverted at this time. This brought me out of myself a
little, gave me focus and helped me to develop a sense of identity.
I remember at the start of my artistic career, aged 12, being given a box of watercolours from WHSmith, I was really
chuffed with them, and that was the beginning of my passion for the medium.
My interest in landscapes began with the Impressionists; I loved the sparkling quality of the colours and the happy
energy of the paintings. Van Gogh, Matisse and William Morris followed and these early influences have stayed with
me, tattooed onto my brain.
I began to take inspiration from the scenery and plant life that surrounded me because of the pleasure I got from
certain shades and combinations of colour that I found there. It fascinated me, along with the juxtaposing patterns
and textures of landscape. Long walks and wildlife documentaries provided me with all the inspiration I needed, and
ideas for paintings would form in my mind.
I went on to study at Plymouth and Hereford art colleges, but I found the Illustration degree at Hereford not at all
to my liking. I was very unhappy and left after the second year to follow my own devises. Back at home, I got over
my depression somewhat, and began to paint again, encouraged by my father.
I was now able to choose what subjects I liked, and this made me happy. It was then I discovered that I could make
really beautiful pictures if I tried hard and put my whole heart and soul into it.
It was a revelation to me, it brought me to life and gave me purpose.
Colour and the amazing world of nature are still my passions to this day. I continue to explore the emotive effects
of colour and the feelings of spirituality that affect me when confronted with the beauty, drama and diversity of the
natural world. Watercolour is still my medium, I absolutely adore it for the infinite variety of shades and tones it
can produce, but I have yet to master it.
Liz 2015.
