For most of my painting life I have concentrated on abstracts in acrylic. This has taken me most especially on a 6 year journey into space – literally. 98% of the paintings that I did during that time were inspired by deep space. This means a couple hundred paintings. Exploration of the subject was fascinating and brought me some very memorable experiences, including meeting the 4th man to have walked on the moon, Alan Bean. Exploration of acrylics on unprimed canvas was also a fascinating and very fulfilling experience. Acrylics and I have become friends.

The last 4-5 years have has my art journey take me to a mixed bag of non-objective abstracts and more traditional representational oils. Today’s paintings have narrowed down to an exclusive study of oils. And for as long as this muse calls me I will follow her.

I am an American living in Kent for the last 2 years. My husband and I have rented a place on a small farm in West Malling. This has me exposed to Jacob Sheep, Alpacas and Gypsy horses. A short walk to the park and I get my fix of Highland Cattle eating grass in a grazing program.

My current paintings reflect my love of farm animals, my admiration for the English paths, my appreciation for what I see in my travels and my missing of my kids and grandkids. Abstracts will be back in my portfolio again I know but for now it’s all about the oils. There is a lot still to learn.

Location: West Malling
Contact: eileen.mcconkey@gmail.com
Website: www.eileenmcconkeyartist.blogspot.com

The subject matter of my paintings has had me explore the far reaches of the Universe, the docile lives of farmland animals and the exciting energy of non-objective abstracts. As the subject draws me to its attention the paint itself becomes the vehicle of the relationship to it.   What has fascinated me is the experimenting with and exploring of the mediums for just the right application to create the mood I want: Cosmic paintings done in acrylic have had me working on raw canvass from both sides of the canvass with stains and layering. Animals are the vehicle for me to learn the more traditional techniques of oils. And the non-objective abstracts bring me back to acrylics with mark making tools and pallet knife paint application.

Location: West Malling
Website: www.eileenmcconkey.com
Contact: eileen.mcconkey@gmail.com

I work mainly in Abstract Expressionism, influenced by life, the people around me and artists such as Hans Hoffman, Mark Rothko, and Philip Guston.

I have a particular fascination with the use of colour; the emotion and versatility of the colours used. Each piece of art that I create is determined by the qualities and colours of the paint and the act of painting itself.

I studied Arts Therapy at the University of Derby where I first began to really explore the use of oil paints. What was of particular interest were the textures that evolved as the piece took on its form. After a short hiatus starting in 1999, I returned to painting in 2003, inspired by living in Greenwich, London. I joined a network of artists at the Cor Blimey Art Studios in Deptford in 2005 and further continued my explorations into colour and texture.

In 2006 I moved to San Francisco. Here I found great inspiration in the creative energy that throbs throughout the city. I had a studio in Russian Hill and became a part of the Artist Community, participating in a number of exhibitions that can be found on my events page soon!

Since moving back to the UK in 2008, I  found a new inspiration in the vibrancy and chaoticness of London, using that energy to spur my creative juices.

I have recently moved to the Kent Countryside and am enjoying the more tranquil influences on the work that I am producing.

A big thank you to all those who have inspired my work and helped me get this far over the last 15 years.

Location: Otford
Website:  www.amywrightart.com
Contact: artist@amywrightart.com

I have been working as an artist ever since I left Art College. My work is classically realistic, concentrating on portraits, nudes, murals old master copies and various figurative subjects. I like to work from life , except animals as I can’t persuade them to stay still!

Website: www.fontaine-wolf.com
Contact: victoria@fontaine-wolf.com

Painting is my primary creative activity. I get most of my inspiration from nature, especially the sea and water. I love the ever changing light found on the north Kent coast. I also enjoy making things from unusual objects and found objects. These tend to be decorative items that can be used in the home.

Location: Herne Bay
Website: www.broughtonart.com
Contact: mandybroughton@hotmail.com