Portrait painting ‘Virginia Autumn’ by Linda Karslake
Our artwork of the week this week is a large portrait painting by Linda Karslake. ‘Virginia Autumn’ is a mix of contemporary and abstract styles and autumn colours. It depicts the face of a beautiful woman, surrounded with autumn leaves.
In Linda’s works
This vibrant abstract painting, measuring 120cm x 100cm, is a heartfelt tribute to the fleeting beauty of autumn. Painted with eco-friendly Frenchic Paints, it captures the breath taking colours of Virginia Creeper foliage that inspired me during my daily commute. Unframed and ready to hang, this piece brings the essence of autumn into your home. As an artist, I find immense joy in translating the natural world’s beauty onto canvas. The rich reds, fiery oranges, and deep blues of autumn leaves never fail to captivate me and I strive to share that wonder through my work. I hope you love this painting as much as I do. Linda
About the Artist
Born in the vibrant city of Leeds and now creating in my dedicated studio in Selby. I am Linda Karslake, a passionate abstract artist with a decade of professional experience.
My artistic journey, primarily self-taught, has been a lifelong pursuit. With nature and the ever-changing coast serving as my muse. The ebb and flow of time and tide, the dance of patina, texture, and colour across natural canvases inspire my work. As an artist and a tutor, I strive to capture these transient moments, sharing with the beauty in impermanence through my art.
SEE MORE WORK BY LINDA KARSLAKE
QUESTIONS TO THE ARTIST
Firstly, ‘Virginia Autumn’ is a really interesting artwork. I notice this artwork differs from your usual abstract subject. Which is your favourite genre and why?
As an artist, I’ve often been told that to build a recognizable “brand,” I should stick to one genre. But honestly, that’s just not my style. I find myself irresistibly drawn to a variety of forms—everything from the intricacies of portraiture to the expansive realms of large-scale abstract art. It’s like being at an all-you-can-eat buffet of creativity and I simply can’t resist sampling everything!
My love for texture and colour knows no bounds. I revel in the fluidity and spontaneity of watercolour, feeling like a mad scientist as I mix chalk, mineral paint, and other media to create something textured and unique. Each medium offers its own charm and challenges and I thrive on that freedom to explore. So, while I may not have a single genre to call home, I like to think of myself as a genre-hopping artist. Dancing through the vibrant world of art with a smile (and maybe a paint splatter or two)!
I see you mainly work in chalk and mineral paints. Is this your preferred medium, and if so, why?
For larger-scale paintings I prefer using chalk and mineral paints because they’re non-toxic and eco-friendly. This is especially important in my workshops, where I prioritize a safe and healthy environment for everyone involved.
What I love most about these paints is their versatility. I can use them like traditional paints, thin them out for a lighter touch, even a transparent layer , or thicken them up for a more textured piece. The earthy, natural colours are richly pigmented. They add a unique depth and create amazing textures that bring my paintings to life.
What challenges do you face, painting on such a large scale?
One of the biggest challenges I face when painting on a large scale is finding good-quality, oversized canvases. They can be quite pricey and a bit tricky to move around. To tackle this I took matters into my own hands and taught myself how to build my own canvases. In fact I recently created a massive one for a commission, and I have to say – it was a really enjoyable process. Trust me, if I can build a canvas this big, anyone can!
Lastly, which artists inspire you?
I draw inspiration from many different artists, especially those who are lesser-known but have the courage to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams. However, the one artist who truly inspired me was my cousin, Paul Karslake, FRSA who sadly passed away in 2019. He was not only my biggest cheerleader but also a constant source of guidance. Paul was an exceptional airbrush artist, known for his chameleon-like ability to transition between styles. He mastered everything from modern surrealism to hyper-realism. Pauls award-winning airbrush technique, combined with a method artist approach, resulted in iconic portraits of notable figures such as The Rolling Stones, Princess Grace of Monaco, and many more. His works have adorned the walls of global icons, including Sir Michael Caine, Keith Richards, and Tracey Emin CBE.
His passion for art was truly infectious. He inspired me to paint and, more importantly, to follow my own dreams. If I can create work that even slightly captures the magic he brought to the canvas, I’ll consider it a success!”
SEE MORE WORK BY LINDA KARSLAKE
