I’ve moved into my studio and I can’t believe the difference it has made to my paintings!

​I’ve moved into my studio and I can’t believe the difference it has made to my paintings! My work is larger, looser with more expressive marks and a real sense of freedom.

But let me just explain how I got here… Last December I treated myself to a 1:1 painting session with one of my favourite artists – Bethany Holmes - who's expressive style I love. The aim was not to learn to imitate but to gain new perspective and skills as I loosen up and get to grips with painting larger scale – something I’ve been struggling with. I spent the day with her in her stable block studio using lots of paint for a series of exercises designed to break habits, introduce new skills and develop an alternative approach. The using ‘lots of paint’ was key to opening my mind – to stop being precious about the cost of paint – and allowing myself to let go.

Energized by my time with her, I made the decision to move out the home studio into a space more suited to sploshing paint around and working one several large pieces at once. I emptied our under used summerhouse and quickly turned it into my new painting studio. It’s an oasis of calm set amongst the tress, birds and wildlife where I can now settle down and fully immerse myself in creating my best work yet! It’s an absolute dream… Without fear of making a mess, my soft pink walls are now streaked with paint and the wooden flooring is covered in drips and marks, charting my progress back and forth across the space using two very different colour palettes. I love it!

On the right I’m working in beachy blues, earthy hues, sunshine yellow and a calming lavender whilst on the left, I’m continuing with my super bright rainbow of colour which have transformed into the most gorgeous vibrant floral abstracts.

I've been approaching my paintings with a fresh ‘abundance’ mindset, giant paintbrushes and big trays of paint. I’ve released myself from the pressure of creating finished pieces and am focusing on the process of developing and applying marks which have a renewed sense of looseness, freedom and energy - whilst retaining that dreamy, tranquil aspect of my abstract paintings that I’m known for.  I’ve been able to work with ease on much bigger pieces that draw on using my full range of reach and really getting a physical workout some days. It’s very liberating! I’ve also been enjoying painting lots of smaller pieces as small ‘warmups’ to really get my ideas flowing, which surprisingly, have turned into the most stunning paintings in themselves. Three of which have been featured on the front cover of the Art Trail Brochure!

Which brings me to this: I must let you know what’s happening over the art trail this year! Whilst I would love to fling open the French doors and welcome you into my new studio space, I don't think it’s fair for you to navigate the dogs & sloping garden to reach me. Instead I've secured the lovely light filled upstairs gallery at The George in Newnham to share my work with you aaaaaand – bonus- it has a great cafe serving delicious refreshments & an enchanting courtyard to enjoy on sunnier days so you can really enjoy your visit with me! It’s listed as Studio 18 on the map, open 10:30am – 4:00pm Tues-Sat, 11-3 Sun/Mon.

In the meantime, I encourage you to keep up to date with what’s happening in my studio by subscribing to my newsletter here https://www.charlottekeating.com/pages/subscribe and keep your eyes peeled for the release of “Flourish” – my series of vibrant yet dreamy, abstract floral landscapes in acrylic paint and soft pastel on paper or canvas.