Shirley Trevena RI

Statement

My still life compositions suggest forms that never quite materialise, the vibrant colours, shapes and patterns at times breaking away from reality. Throughout my artistic career I have tried to push the boundaries of watercolour to create powerful combinations of colour equal to any medium.

Methodology

For my still life paintings I always carefully set up the objects, sometimes taking a whole day to make sure I have the information I require to start the painting. Doing this means I have no need to do a preliminary drawing and can paint straight onto the paper, keeping the marks fluid and loose. I use various brushes, sticks, pens, graphite pencils and favourite bits and pieces to create texture in the work. I like to use large tubes of watercolour paint to get maximum colour and even though I know how to mix up the colour orange, I still get a thrill from buying a tube of Cadmium Orange and squeezing it onto a plate. I can only work on one piece at a time which can take me 2-3 weeks to complete. I find I cannot accept commissions. The freedom to make my own personal choice of objects and colours is crucial to my work.

Bio

11th September 1940 Born in Brixton, London

1994 Elected to the RI

1995-1999 Appointed to the RI Council

1999-2001 Ran ‘Arte in Toscana’ (painting workshops in Tuscany)

2001-2004 Reappointed to the RI Council

2014 Appointed President of the Sussex Watercolour Society

2014 Appointed as Patron of the Sussex Art Collective

Ran further workshops in France, Sussex, Yorkshire and London.

Memberships

President Sussex Watercolour Society