Angela Harding

"The recurring inspiration for my work is the flora and fauna of the British countryside. My studio looks out over the Rutland landscape; the view is of sheep fields and English farmland, which are often represented in my work along with the theme of British birds.

 

"I have always loved birds, not as a twitcher, but for their poetic form, shape, colour and atmosphere of place. Gulls of St Ives, summer blackbirds or the haunting sound of Curlews across the salt marshes of Norfolk are often the starting point for new paintings. 

 

"Colour is also an inspiration for my work, the soft green, greys and blues of the landscape or vibrant reds and oranges of autumn are a backdrop used in my paintings and prints. The work I produce is not a literal portrait but an attempt to capture a distinct mood and atmosphere of animals, birds and landscape. The work has an allegorical aspect that has reference to British painting of the 1930s, 40s and 50s, artists such as Eric Ravillious, David Jones and Winifred Nicolson, as well as contemporary artists Mary Fedden and the Scottish colourists."