I have gone back to recurring themes of mine, interiors and reflections, in this recent series of oil paintings. The first one (pictured left) I started 10 years ago and I abandoned it but have recently revisited it, in response to a request from a lovely potential buyer.
It inspired me to start the next two pieces, also featuring domestic interiors, windows and doors. Windows and doors are portals to another space, so you can capture both the within and the without.
In the third piece, which is still in progress, you can see the foundations of what’s going to happen, and I will be referencing this little study of my cat Tilly eating in the kitchen.
When working with oils I will often start with a neutral or mid-tone colour ground in acrylic – for example yellow ochre or dull green – to get rid of the white background and to make the canvas my own. I will then, in acrylic and charcoal, establish the basis of the final piece. Although I prefer the lushness of oil paints, they can slow me down, which sometimes can be a good thing. Acrylics dry much quicker than oils so you can analyse and adjust things, before you commit to the final version in oil.
Diana Lamb 