Calling all creatives! May is here and that means it's time for our monthly dose of artistic inspiration! Our Artist of the Month blog series is continues and we're thrilled to showcase the talented individuals we've had the pleasure of collaborating with. Whether you're a painter, illustrator, or simply appreciate the beauty of art, this blog is for you. Let's take a moment to immerse ourselves in the world of art and be inspired by the incredible works of our featured artists.
This month, we introduce you to semi-abstract seascape artist Louise Levine, who creates stunning seascapes, capturing the vast space, raw beauty and wild peace that the sea provides. We've been in touch with Louise to find out more about her and her craft...
Q. Where have you found inspiration lately?
A. Nature is always the biggest source of inspiration for my art. Looking up at the changing sky on my daily walk, finding new colour combinations among the plants and trees in gardens and woodlands, noticing how the sea changes colour with the seasons and weather – it really sparks my creativity!
Q. Is there a piece of art or a project that you are particularly excited about right now?
A. I’m really enjoying my Instagram 100-day project, based around how many colours I can create from a very limited selection of primary colours. It’s blown my mind the range of colours I’ve created and how I can use these within new colour palettes to create new bodies of work, including my new pink skies and sandy beach collections.
Q. What kinds of tools or references do you like to use when creating artwork?
A. I don’t tend to paint from reference images as my work is quite abstracted and it helps keep me loose and playful. I tend to soak up inspiration whilst I’m outside in nature and then this just flows out on the paper whilst I’m painting.
Q. What artists or artworks (from your life or art history) do you admire or consider influential to your work & why?
A. I absolutely love Kurt Jackson’s artwork. It’s an amazing example of semi abstracted seascapes and landscapes and he is such an inspiration with how prolific he is. His gallery in St Just is a must visit for me for each new exhibition.
Q. What advice do you have for other new or aspiring artists?
A. I would say experiment and play until you really find the art you want to create. Also, learning the business and marketing side of art is just as important as the art itself. Building a website and an email list would be my top priority as a beginner.
Q. Professionally, what has been your biggest achievement so far?
A. I think it’s probably being brave enough to actually start selling my art and not being afraid to approach galleries and shops to stock my work. It’s led to some really lovely opportunities.
Q. What is your first memory of creating art?
A. I was constantly doing arts and craft as a child and have tried so many different creative hobbies but painting has a special place in my heart. I started a little card making business when I was 12 so I think I was always destined to start a creative business!
Q. How do you spend your time when you’re not creating artwork?
A. I love reading, binging box sets and watching films – anything romantic and fluffy floats my boat!! I’m also a big fan of walks in nature and exploring new places (especially with a stunning view!).
Q. What work do you most enjoy doing?
A. I adore working on paper to create original art. It just really suits my process and allows me to work freely. I’m all about freedom with my art – creating the work that I love to paint and hopefully this comes through in each piece!
Q. What is your dream project?
A. I would love to work with Whistlefish. I grew up visiting their galleries on holidays so it would be wonderful to see my work stocked in their galleries.
It's always such a joy to discover and connect with fellow creatives like Louise! We feel so inspired by her stunning seascapes and contagious passion for art. If you want to find out more about Louise and shop her amazing art, head on over to her website and Instagram. And don't forget to stay tuned for next month's edition!