Sonia Robinson RSMA

Statement

Sonia Robinson's passion for drawing is most important for a thorough understanding of her subject matter. Pattern, negative shapes and the overall compoInspiration comes from Giotto, renaissance drawings, Cezanne, The sition are thus realised - and convey why she wants to paint a particular scene. Glasgow Boys - to name just a few.

Methodology

Sonia paints in oils and watercolour/gouache. Both on tinted grounds - canvas covered by wash of ultramarine and burnt sienna. Watercolours on ingres fabriano warm grey paper.Old Holland oils, sansoder turps, with fast drying medium. Windsor and Newton watercolours with one gouache - permanent white.Subjects carefully drawn - fine sable brush with sepia for oils. Two shades of grey - diluted indian and sepia inks for pen drawing watercolours.Detailed sketchbook drawings are used to set out the main pictures in his studio. Subjects are nearby for reference. Important to keep connected with the scene he is painting.My preferred subjects are: Cornwall harbour scenes, cottages, working dinghies, coastal cliffs and coves. Also (both media) townscapes and landscapes in France.Camera rarely used as ‘aide memoire’. Prefer checking the real thing.

Bio

1927 Born on 24 May, Stockport, Manchester

1943-45 Studied at Manchester School of Art

1945-47 Studied at Hornsey Art School, London

1947-52 Freelance Mural Painter

1952- Landscape Painter exhibiting in London galleries

1965 Moved from Hampstead, London to Mousehole, Cornwall

1978 Elected Member of the Royal Society of Marine Artists

1994-99 Acted as Hon. Secretary of the Royal Society of Marine Artists

Memberships

Society of Women Artists, Newlyn Society of Artists, St. Ives Society of Artists (resigned 2006)