When did you first become interested in painting?
I became interested in creating art from a very early age, I was always doodling at school much to the annoyance of my teachers!
Did you always know you would become an artist or did you have other ideas?
I had a variety of jobs before making the decision to become an artist, including modelling & photography, I also worked as a chef for a few years, before finally taking the leap and becoming a professional artist around 15 years ago. I began selling my art and completing commissions in the first year of becoming a professional artist which was very encouraging and gave me the confidence to pursue it further.
Are you a full time artist and if so, how do you manage your time?
I’m a full time artist working from my home studio, I make time to paint most days, sometimes working evenings and weekends if I have a deadline to meet.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I’m inspired by my surroundings. I live in a beautiful area of the south coast, the sea, the changing light, reflections on the water; I try to capture the atmosphere, even on a gloomy day the sea can have a magical quality, the sky over the sea when there’s a storm brewing, boats moored at sunset, all these views inspire me to create.
You have a very distinctive style, have you always worked in this way?
My style has developed over time, it’s interesting to look back at paintings I’ve completed a few years ago and see how my paintings have progressed, I continually strive to develop and improve as an artist.
Are you influenced by any famous artists, if so who are they?
I find the work of Gustav Klimt inspiring, also Monet, Van Gogh and of course Turner, “The painter of light”.
Could you please describe the practical process you go through when making a painting?
I use different methods depending on the particular piece I’m working on, I decide on the colours first which greatly influences the mood of the piece, I don’t over plan the work too much in the first stages to help keep a sense of spontaneity and freshness in the work, after placing in the first aspects I work and re-work the painting until it starts to take shape.
I let the piece develop with each layer of paint that is applied, I start to see patterns and shapes take form, I like to let the painting lead me and enjoy the happy accidents that sometime occur in the creative process. I’ll often work on a few paintings at a time and leave them at various stages, returning to them a few days later with fresh eyes and the solutions which enable me to complete them successfully.
I’ll often take a walk by the sea and return to the studio with a clearer insight into how to progress with a painting. I enjoy creating art that is uplifting, that transports the viewer to a different place, that connects with their emotions, paintings that give an insight into my unique interpretation of the landscape and my intuitive approach to art.
What does a typical day look like for you?
On a typical day I first get any emails and calls done, continue working on any commissions or paintings that I am currently working on, begin to plan future paintings, which may be art that is a continuation of a theme or new ideas.
View Stella Dunkley’s gallery.
