Artist Statement: Louise MacIntosh-Watson

Born in Liverpool in the 1970's, I have also lived in Yorkshire and Derbyshire where I have been teaching Art in high schools for 17 years. This has given me the opportunity to research and develop my own painting style whilst simultaneously introducing young people to the ever changing world of Art.

My most recent paintings are the Meadows series; a vibrant collection of impasto textured abstract flower meadows using acrylics, emulsion and a hint of sparkle! I paint each meadow instinctively, starting by whipping the canvas with paint, splattering and throwing it down - allowing myself to be directed by the outcome. I use a variety of specialist acrylic paints with different finishes from gloss to glitter, causing the painting to metamorphose beautifully with the changing light of day. My inherent fascination with colour compels great contemplation over the flowers as I consider the interaction, emotion and balance between the colours.

Previously, I have combined my passion for colour with an experimental use of the batik wax resist technique. When shading with pencil, I scribble - I create rapid, fluid movements and I believe these translate perfectly using wax. Layering colours using inks, dyes and wax has provided me with some very exciting opportunites for contemporary portraits.

As well as using batik, I have also created heavily stylised portraits using acrylics on canvas. Influenced by Modigliani, Picasso and Klimt, it is the series of work that I fondly refer to as 'My Girls'.

Looking to future projects, I have many more Meadow concepts that I would like to explore and am excited by the idea of bringing two bodies of work together by introducing 'My Girls' into the Meadows.

Exhibitions

September 2010 - Melbourne Arts Festival, Derbyshire
February 2011 - Erewash Open Arts Exhibition, Derbyshire
June 2011 - Ashbourne Festival Open Art Exhibition, Derbyshire
September 2011 - Melbourne Arts Festival, Derbyshire
November 2011 - Derby High Craft Fair, Derbyshire
December 2011 - The Crocus Gallery Open Exhibition, Nottingham
February 2012 - The Beetroot Tree Open Exhibition, Derbyshire

How can I contact you?

Should you have any questions regarding my work, please don't hesistate to send me an email at missmac@missmacdesigns.co.uk and I will gladly respond to you as soon as possible.

You can also 'Like' my work on my facebook page, which can be found here

My work is also featured on The Batik Guild website.