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, Zoe Elizabeth Norman.
Can you introduce yourself, where you are from and how long you have been with Artfinder for?
I have lived and worked in rural Norfolk, England all my adult life and find inspiration from the surrounding countryside, huge dramatic skies and stunning coastline. I started with Artfinder back in 2014.
In just a short sentence, how would you describe/summarise your work?
I love pure unmuddied colour and unlike many artists actually enjoy painting the many green hues found in our natural world. My work is bold and uncompromising but as I always strive to capture the beauty and wonder of my subjects I hope not jarring. I started as an illustrator, painting in pure watercolours but my career has moved towards impressionism and now paint exclusively in oil paints. I enjoy the freedom and expression oils allow and I paint in an 'Alle prima' style, which being quick and spontaneous keeps my work fresh and lively.
What influences you and your work?
I like to paint the places I visit and the countryside and gardens around me. I am very much drawn to water and love its reflective quality so this is a favourite subject. I visited Monet's Garden in Giverny a few years ago which has kindled a bit of an obsession. The garden has all the elements I love to paint and I am still finding new compositions and ideas to paint from this magical place.
My landscapes tend to be void of too much human reference instead I like to capture the raw essence of the natural world sometimes inhabiting my paintings with native wildlife or domestic animals. I am always striving to capture the light and beauty that moved me to paint my subject such as morning mist over a meadow of gentle grazing cattle or the glistening water droplets on a cobweb. I am a keen gardener and my training as a botanical illustrator has given me an appreciation and interest in plants and flowers.
I have recently rekindled an old love of Literature in art and have started work on a new series of paintings inspired by ancient History, Myths and Legends. These pieces will be more figurative and also allow me to explore my other passion for fabrics textiles and patterns within art.
What does your creative process involve?
My practice starts with either a photograph or sketch taken on location or an idea which is planned out in my sketch book and later reference material gathered to help with the finished painting. When I am happy with the composition I transfer the sketch to my canvas in the size and format most suitable to the subject. I then cover my canvas with a base colour in acrylic. Usually red, pink or ochre depending on the mood of the finished piece. I then get to work with my oil paints. I don't like the smell of turps so use water mixable oil paints. I don't paint many layers preferring to paint with quite thick paint applied in one go.
Have you changed as an artist over time?
I started painting when I was a young mum so I painted flowers and still life because they were accessible to me. I didn't have a studio so watercolours were easier as they took up little space. I liked rich colours so built up lots of layers and painted in a detailed style. My work was very popular and I worked for many years producing floral painting for greeting cards. When my children had grown up and I was able to devote more time and space to my painting practice I experimented with different mediums and started painting the landscape. I am now a much more confident artist and have found a new love of painting. Painting the landscape with oils in an impressionistic style suits me much more and I feel passionate and excited about the work ahead of me.
What’s your favourite artwork you created and why?
My favourite painting is Bluebell Glade because it really speaks to me and I feel it conveys everything about English bluebell woods in such a simple and eloquent way. Sometimes paintings paint themselves and this was such a painting.
What do you think is the role of art/artists in society?
I think it is important that artists and art exist to enrich and enlighten society. Art can be a useful tool to express cultural, environmental or spiritual messages and art helps people connect and feel uplifted or inspired.
What advice do you have for emerging artists looking to make a living out of their art career?
I believe that artists need to find their own voice and style before they can start selling their work. This takes time, dedication and practice and I believe it is best to have a coherent body of work before approaching galleries even if this means a delay.
Cover image via Zoe Norman
