Our community of artists is the core foundation of Artfinder. With such a vast community based in all corners of the world, we wanted to help them share more about their artist journey, their artistic process and technique and what inspires them. Today, we chat with one of our amazing painters, Kirsty Wain.
Can you introduce yourself, where you are from and how long you have been with Artfinder for?
My name is Kirsty Wain, I am from the West Midlands in the UK and I have been living in Spain for the past 10 years. I have been teaching Art for 20 plus years and painting on the Spanish Costas. I joined Artfinder in 2015, wow!
In just a short sentence, how would you describe/summarise your work?
My work is an extension of my life and an escape into the beauty of the natural world around us.
What influences you and your work?
I am influenced by so many things, shapes in nature intrigue me, especially twisted branches, leaves and petals. Light, colours and patterns affect me and stir something inside me that makes me want to create something. I have always loved Van Goghs work and the post-impressionists and impressionists. More recently there are many contemporary artists doing exciting vibrant and colourful works. Hockney has been a steadfast influence for many years. Recently I have been loving Sorollas seascapes and I am inspired and encouraged by living female artists like Phyllis Shafer, Erin Hanson and Philippa Beale. It is difficult to put into words, although it may be an image of a place it is more than that, it is a feeling, and atmosphere and a moment in time that contains a deeper message. I have to have that extra need to create in order for the work to be worthwhile.
What does your creative process involve?
I need the thinking time first, then I may start with some sketches and photos. Once I start painting and the works loosen up I try to maintain that working pace and produce as much as I can in the given time. I work relatively quickly when I´m using oils. I love the texture of the paint. Sometimes though you just have to go for a walk with line and make art. I always say that Art is like exercise, if you stop you become unfit and it is difficult to pick it back up again.
Have you changed as an artist over time?
Yes definitely, I had some fun years in my twenties and thirties throwing and pouring paint and creating lots of abstracts, seeing what paint could do. There was the retro patterns phase and the geometric paintings. This was a crucial time for me as an artist to explore and experiment. I started landscape painting around 2010 and this area has been my main focus ever since.
What’s your favourite artwork you created and why?
It changes depending on what I have been working on, recently it is the coastal paintings ¨Coastal sunset in Manilva´, ¨Rocas de Manilva´ and ´Rocky sunset in Manilva¨ as I have been enjoying painting loosely the rhythm of the fluid lines and finding my own style in depicting water has been a challenge. The two Alhambra Palace in Granada paintings are favourites because the warmth of the colours and composition holds the eye. I also have a couple of watercolor paintings that are special to me, ¨Serra Helada with trees and cat´ is one, just because of the memories that are attached to the place. I find that paintings have to mature and grow into the setting after they have been completed and that is when you can really tell if the artwork works.
What do you think is the role of art/artists in society?
The artist communicates with visual language something that cannot be spoken. For me, I hope that my art can uplift others and inspire a force of positivity.
What advice do you have for emerging artists looking to make a living out of their art career?
Just keep making art and stay true to yourself, you make the art and the journey will take care of itself.
Cover image via Kirsty Wain
