Elaine Kemp
I trained in Drawing, Ceramics, Art History and Education at Christ Church College, Canterbury. After various career changes I now work full time as an Artist from my home in Blackheath.
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Usually working in Watercolour I enjoy the challenge of this unforgiving medium and in particular how it reacts on different surfaces and when combined with other materials. Inspired by the wonder of creation I mostly paint landscapes or natural themes, but having recently moved to London I am looking forward to incorporating some new ideas into my work.
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My paintings are organic in nature and I usually have only a loose idea of how they will eventually resolve themselves. I begin by laying down strong colour washes on heavyweight paper with lots of water. I then add salt, granulation fluid and inks or press materials into the paint in order to manipulate it and create unusual and interesting backgrounds. For me this is the most exciting part of the process as the resulting patterns and textures then lead the painting into being. Patience is required as I wait for the first layer to dry completely and naturally, so I often work on several paintings at the same time. I then add more colours often mixing them directly on the paper and building up layers over a period of days, weeks or even months.
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My work has sold to collectors all over the country and appeared on posters, publicity leaflets and jigsaw puzzles.