Artworks by Elaine Allender

Painting is my 'ikigai' (Japanese word that means 'the reason to get up in the morning'). For many years I combined painting with my job teaching at university. Since 2022 I have been painting full-time which has brought me huge fulfilment. I am influenced by my native county of Cornwall - I was born and grew up in Polperro on the south coast. As I have family there, I return at least once a month and try to visit my favourite harbours or walk the coast path whenever I can. Harbours are magical places to me, representing childhood and the safety and endless days of that time. I'm also drawn to the coast path and often paint views of coves and beaches with the native wildflowers that line the narrow paths. I'm influenced by colour and like to build my paintings up in layers so there's often some texture too. When I'm not painting Cornwall I'm on the lookout for other harbours to visit, Scotland is a favourite holiday destination so that features sometimes. Oxford is where I live now and features in some of my works. As well as my landscapes, I'm drawn to the natural world and flowers in particular. My garden gives me lots of inspiration but the wildflowers that grow in our hedges and meadows are just as lovely as any cultivated bloom.