Delia Cardnell RI

Statement

I mainly paint still life and interiors with rich colours, patterns, and textural variation. My compositions often feature wild flowers or exotic plants and incorporate furniture, paintings, and views through windows and doorways. I also enjoy painting semi-abstract landscapes and portraits in oil and acrylic.

Methodology

I particularly like working with watercolour as it is a challenging, versatile medium with a unique luminosity and fluidity. Before painting I complete several drawings or sketches from different angles and viewpoints to help me to gain a familiarity and understanding of the subject. These drawings are used later as reference material with notes about colour and texture. I mainly paint on hot pressed paper which is stretched onto a board with tape. I start painting using a limited palette, adding and mixing colours whilst the painting progresses. I experiment using various techniques to achieve spontaneous results. Subtle tones and blending are obtained by using delicate overlapping brush strokes.

For the final stage, and to decide if the painting is finished, I stand back regularly and analyse, making small adjustments if necessary, and view the painting on the wall with a mount before framing.

Bio

1974 Born on 14 October in North London

1995 Exhibited at the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours

2000 Elected a Member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours

2002-06 Elected a Council Member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour

Memberships

Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours