Angela Holland

Angela Holland is a Dorset based artist, who paints mostly in oils.

“I live sandwiched between a stunning coastline and an ancient forest – which both provide their own unique and endless inspiration. My work is all about capturing light, whether in a wild skyscape, on a stormy sea or a dappled forest floor.

Using oils, layers are built up to provide the quality of light and atmosphere required. This can be a slow process as layers often need to dry thoroughly before working over them, so a painting can take several weeks. I use a variety of implements to make my marks, but mostly knives, rags and fingers – anything that will move the paint around.

My aim is not to represent the subject in a figurative way, but to interpret it. I enjoy painting “en plein air” whenever possible, but paintings are always developed and completed in the studio.

I aim to produce atmospheric, light-filled paintings with a strong sense of place.

I studied Ceramic Design at Brighton Art College where I was awarded a research bursary by the Royal Society of Arts, to study tile design in Italy. On leaving college (Ist Class Hons.) I was employed by Josiah Wedgwood as a decorative designer. I have also worked as an illustrator for childrens books and a high profile travel magazine.

I learnt about oil painting under the tutelage of two great painters – Richard Price ROI and Martin Kinnear of the Norfolk Painting School. Richard greatly inspired me with an appreciation of the medium, its versatility, richness and tonal possibilities. Martin taught me more of the technical stuff than I can ever remember and the courage to be brave and expressive.

My main inspiration comes from the light, which I try to capture to convey a sense of atmosphere – whether on a stormy winter sea, a beautiful calm day or a glorious sunset.

I think I could quite happily paint just sky for the rest of my life……