“A country life is enjoyable and inspirational,” says Paula Vize, the Hampshire artist whose distinctive and memorable work can be found in private collections throughout the world.
“I like to spend time painting and walking with my dogs. I love the horses and the hierarchy of the hounds which fuels my inspiration. Paintings are an excellent form of communication and education about those things so valuable that we are in danger of losing in Great Britain.
“Many of my friends are farmers and so I see wonderful livestock, a constant source of inspiration.”
In order to produce commissioned portraits, Paula spends time with her subjects to feel the relationship between owner and animal as well as their character. All of this plays a part in the finished work.
She concludes: “It is always lovely receiving letters from people saying they are so happy with their paintings, whether they’re a present or a commissioned piece.”
Paula Vize’s work can be seen at creativecoverage.co.uk and paulavize.co.uk.
Recession is a good thing for the art world
Recession has resulted in many more discerning buyers, according to Matthew Alexander, the eminent contemporary landscape artist.
“In the good old days many, often armed with their city bonuses, would splash out on a piece of art just for the sake of it,” he recalls. “But in tougher times buyers really have to appreciate the work and fall in love with it to consider buying, which can only be a good thing for art, so I’m not complaining,” says the Kent based artist.
After a successful decade of exhibitions with David Messum in Cork Street, London, Mr Alexander has now formed a happy and satisfactory relationship with Thompson’s an important dealer in Marylebone, London, where he has an exhibition between March 19 and April 7.
In 2011, Mr Alexander opened his own studio. “I realised that some galleries were beginning to feel the pinch with the sudden economic downturn and I was being contacted through my website by clients who wished to view my paintings,” he says, adding that he also runs courses from here.
Matthew Alexander is represented by www.creativecoverage.co.uk
Last of the Sun, Norfolk Broads, oil on board
Winter Light, Trafalgar Square, London, oil on board
