I live in Somerset, in a small village not far from Bruton and Frome. My studio is in the house and has far reaching views out towards Alfred’s Tower. I spend a lot of time looking out of the window!
I had a career in accountancy because art wasn’t considered to be serious enough when I was young. In some ways it was a good choice but my creative side refused to be squashed permanently and I have been painting enthusiastically for the last twenty five years. I have also dabbled in ceramics and enjoy working with fabric and in my garden where I grow my own vegetables, herbs and flowers.
Most of my work is on paper using watercolour. I also paint in oils, acrylics and pastels but watercolour generally draws me back. I love the freedom, spontaneity and unpredictability of the medium. Many of my images are built up in layers beginning with a watercolour base and progressing into soft pastels, oil pastels, inks and graphite. I use these other materials to provide depth, emphasis and mark- making.
I enjoy drawing and always have a sketchbook on the go when out travelling. However in my finished work the emphasis is usually on colour. The joy of painting for me is about being expressive in colour. I don’t have a set palette. Colour is very much influenced by the seasons. My inspiration is usually found in the natural world. Sometimes this will be within my own garden and the surrounding countryside. At other times it comes from the places I visit. I am particularly drawn to landscapes which carry the imprint of man from the Neolithic period. And like many, I love visiting the coastal regions of Cornwall and further afield.
Website : maureenbond.co.uk
Instagram: maureen_bond_art
