Landscapes of the Soul #2

Alison Berrett ‘Landscapes of the Soul #2’

I have created a number of imaginary landscapes, drawing from my absorption in and love for the landscape. Using water soluble graphite sticks with earthy colours as well as lime greens and turquoise, the process is totally compelling. The graphite seems to melt into the page when it is wet, a bit like using warm chocolate. What appears on the page is a direct expression of something within me using the landscape as a metaphor for something otherwise indescribable.

Pigment, charcoal & graphite on paper
60cm x 82cm unframed & unmounted
This work can be sold mounted but unframed. Size tbc

Size: H:60 cm x W:82 cm

Discover original abstract works by Alison Berrett online with Wychwood Art and in their Oxfordshire Art Gallery. Alison Berrett says: "I love the freedom of being an artist. Primarily I paint, draw, collage and photograph. I work with oil or acrylic paint on board or canvas, and occasionally, household objects. I also like to mix media, using wax crayons and oil pastels to create a resist with watercolour paints; or collage, charcoal and acrylic paint to explore textures. My inspiration is the result of a passion for the beauty of the natural world we live in. I take photographs of anything that catches my attention whilst out in the landscape as a reference point for my ideas and thoughts. It is also a way of visually recording and collecting images for a time when I can paint. I do not paint directly from the photographs but use them as starting points. Drawings, paintings and written notes are sometimes produced on site outdoors. I am often struck by dramatic lighting, the simultaneous contrast of colours or extreme weather conditions. Sensing the soul of the earth, I try to convey something of this inexplicable phenomenon in whatever I create. Sometimes I draw whilst carefully studying my subject without looking at the page. I am very interested in the quality of lines and marks this technique creates. I have also been investigating the use of drawing like this as a meditative process. Drawing and mark making has been a continuous area of interest since I first felt the urge as a child. I became liberated in my ability to express myself when in 1989 I attempted to draw and paint the sea during ferocious storms. I had to respond in an urgent, intuitive and spontaneous way, capturing the movement of the waves and wind and recording my own gestures and emotional response. This led me to create abstract works combining these gestures and emotions with a sense of movement and a fascination for colour and the application of paint. I find the transformational qualities of paint extremely satisfying. The paintings themselves are full of emotional expression and spontaneity; questions and observations about life often appear in my work as it progresses. Visual metaphors become apparent as I carefully work out the balance of composition, colour and mark. I rarely start a painting knowing what the end result will be but I have a very clear sense of my starting point. Then begins the organic process of bringing the work to life. I greatly value my role as a workshop leader (often as an artist in residence) and educator, encouraging other people to be creative. My experience in these areas is very broad and I am delighted that this continues to expand. I have created, and delivered dynamic educational programmes and workshops as well as pursuing and developing my own professional practice as a freelance artist. I have been involved in some extremely interesting, diverse and incredibly valuable projects and worked with some wonderful, creative, people. It is a privilege to be a part of the rich and energising world of Art." To discuss any artworks by Alison Berrett, please contact Deborah@wychoodart.com or call 07799 535 765 / 01869 338 155.