Elaine FINE

ELAINE FINE, inspired by Cezanne, Matisse and the Scottish Colourists, has spent years visiting France and Scotland painting in the locations which had captivated her mentors. In the past ten years she has also painted many of those sublime Mediterranean locations which have attracted so many famous artists. Throughout this time she has been extending her style and painting technique, and has developed a good following.

This year's exhibition featured The Cote d’Azur, with a group of Villefranche-sur-Mer paintings, plus Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, whose tranquillity and warmth make them favourite destinations for European aristocrats and the mega-rich. Finally, sun-soaked views of Sorrento, Campania and Amalfi; followed by Cyprus, Majorca and Spain.

Her use of strong colour is almost fauvist, and she has created a considerable demand for richly coloured reminders of wonderful visits and happy holidays enjoyed by so many people in these exotic locations.

Noel Oddy and Laurie MacLaren July 2004

Statement by the artist:

“ One of my continuing themes, and loves, is water - reflections, waves, boats, and harbours - all dating back to my childhood on the River Thames.
I use traditional methods of oil painting, sometimes experimenting with mixed media (acrylic,pastel, gouache, watercolour and collage) I also travel regularly collecting ideas and images through sketching in various media and using photography for reference. Having worked plein air for many years I now prefer to work on the canvases in the comfort of my studio, trying to express my emotional response to a subject with vibrant colour and gestural brushmarks. Occasionally several images are used in one painting, sometimes they are greatly simplified and abstracted. The painting process involves much laying paint on the canvas,re-valuing the work, scraping back and re-working until - hopefully, the desired effect is achieved.”

Selected exhibitions:

1990 Camden Art Centre
1993,95 Anna -Mei Chadwick Gallery, London
1994 -2002 Llewellyn Alexander Gallery, London
1995 Linda Blackstone Gallery,Middlesex
1997 - 2004 Highgate Fine Art, London
1998,9 Medici Gallery, Grafton Street, London
1998 Art Movement Charity Auction- Phillips
1998,9 Galerie Valerie Knightsbridge
2000, 01,02 Charity Exhibition Catto Gallery Hampstead
2002, 04 Art Movement Charity Auction-Christies
2002,2003 Enid Lawson Gallery, Kensington
2002, 3, 4 Hunter Gallery, Long Melford, Suffolk
2003, 4 Affordable Art Fair
2003, 4 Hicks Gallery Wimbledon

Paintings