The Company of Shadows Print

Eleanor’s inspiration is taken from her surroundings, she has a love for the every day things, often passed by without a second thought. Eleanor’s paintings are vibrant, often painted Plein air and finished in the studio. Starting with bold outlines, many layers of paint are used to create the depth of colour. Her paintings are spontaneous, using washes of oil to create the desired form. Often finishing with a palette knife producing a pleasing texture. Her current work is inspired by the landscape of the Cotswolds, and the long shadows created by figures in urban landscapes. First looking at the white canvas i like to draw in bold lines of my image, once i have drawn the outlines of my painting, i like to block in some patches of colour. Imagining areas of colour washes, using waves of oil colour with linseed oil. I then use the shadows to build my composition with more fluid layers of oil paint diluted with linseed. When I can, I paint from life, otherwise I sketch and photograph. Painting in oils, colours go on in washes, the outlines between light and dark first. Then thicker layers of colour and finer details. I like to observe what seems mundane, capturing an intensity of people going about their lives. I like to play with how they fall and merge into the foreground. I love the long shadows created by the early morning or evening light. I think everyone see things a little differently, I paint what I am seeing. I love the feeling I get when I’m so consumed by the painting, I forget everything else. It’s like a meditation for me, being totally in the moment.