Nancy Chambers

Based in Bristol, Nancy’s contemporary, cheerful and colourful still life paintings are inspired by natural forms, textures and light resulting in acrylic paintings that exude optimism.  Her garden is the source of many of the flowers featured in her work.  She says:

“I try to capture the essence of an object rather than a literal interpretation.  I work from life and use photographs taken from multiple angles in order to create an augmented version of reality.  My interest in a dandelion, for instance, is in the vibrant colour and unique texture of its needle-like petals.  For these I had to create my own palette knives to capture those qualities.”

Poppies are a much loved subject to which she returns again and again:

“I find I return to some subjects time and again but each exploration of, for instance, poppies - a personal favourite, results in a different view, a unique rendering of the essence of poppies.  Likewise, a Polish glass vase bought by a friend, or the beauty within Bristol Blue Glass regularly feature in my work.”

Nancy began her artistic endeavour at an early age, but academic studies took over and she worked in the charity sector for 30 years before deciding to devote more time to painting.  She is inspired by the work of artists such as Philip Richardson, Peter King and Mhairi Mcgregor and is thankful to Liz Hough and Laura Cramer who she met through courses at St Ives School of Painting and the Royal West of England Academy and who encouraged her to exhibit.