Charlotte Hodge Thomas painting in her studio

1.     How long have you been an artist?

Twenty years this June! As soon as I graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University in 1991 with a Degree in Textiles, I set up in business as a Textile Artist. At that time I was concentrating on creating one-off textile art pieces; framed embroidered/fabric collages and textile wall-hangings (I did paint as well, although not as my main focus). I exhibited widely across the UK and also worked on large scale commissions for Office Art agencies and Hospital Art organisations.

After eight years working as a Textile Artist in Manchester and then London, I took a break in 1999 to start a family. I moved back to the I.O.W.in 2001 but it wasn’t until 2004, after the birth of my second son, that I picked up my artistic pursuits again. I should point out here that, although I had graduated with a textile degree, the course had in fact been more akin to a Fine Arts training and I had a lot of experience with drawing and painting under my belt. Being back on the Island inspired me to pick up a paintbrush and start recording my beautiful surroundings... I haven’t stopped since!

2.     Was it difficult to get started as a professional?

It helps if you’re a workaholic! When I look back on how I started out in 1991 I realise that I was extremely focused, very determined and ambitious. I worked very hard to build up contacts and get my work seen as much as possible. I put a lot of effort into self-promotion, taking my portfolio around the country to different galleries and meeting with numerous Corporate Art agencies. I sought financial support from the Enterprise Allowance Scheme and won grants from the Prince’s Youth Business Trust and the Crafts Council of Great Britain. To supplement my freelance ‘artist’ income I also took part-time teaching posts (teaching life-drawing, portraiture and general arts) at Manchester Metropolitan University and Bromley Adult Education College.

My approach to building my reputation as a painter (since 2004) has been a little different because I have had to fit it around my family. Having time constraints imposed on my working practice, however, has made me very focused and careful with time. When the kids are at school or nursery I use every minute available to paint... the housework can wait!

3.     Do you have a particular style of technique?

I paint mainly coastal scenery; sea-marks, sea forts, buoys and other iconic motifs associated with the beaches of Bembridge and East Wight. I am fascinated with the skies and sea and where they meet; how they affect one another... constantly changing in terms of colour and ambience. I particularly love how the sky and seamarks are sometimes reflected in the sea water on calm, sunny days; when the surface of the water can look as smooth as a mill pond.

I describe myself as a Colourist. I love the expressive potential of colour and how it can evoke different moods.  I enjoy manipulating colour to produce exciting visual effects and create the illusion of depth and space. My paintings are often commented on as being very ‘3D’... In fact, I want people viewing my paintings to feel ‘drawn-in’ to the illusion, as though they are actually standing in the scene.

I work with acrylic paints... taking great care when mixing them, to keep colours fresh and vibrant. My technique marries sweeping backdrops of colour with intense attention to foreground detail. Again, this adds to the illusion of depth and realism ... giving the painting a life of it’s own.

4.     Where to next?

Not only is 2011 the 20^th anniversary since I embarked on an arts career but also, my youngest of three sons starts school in September... freeing up more time in the week for me to devote to my painting. The additional time afforded will open up more possibilities to develop my artwork and promote myself nationally as well as locally.

I have a very busy schedule of exhibitions to work towards in 2011: These include two solo exhibitions in the new gallery space at Quarr Abbey (April 27^th – May 3^rd  and August 24^th – Sept 1^st) and my annual Open Studios exhibition, held at my Bembridge home, in late July. I have group exhibitions with Bembridge Beaux Arts in August and the ‘Landscapes of the Isle of Wight’ exhibition at Eastdene, Bonchurch in September. Also in September I will be the ‘featured artist’ at Seaview Gallery.    

I don’t see my artwork ‘standing still’ and staying the same forever.... In addition to developing my I.O.W coastal paintings I am keen to reintroduce abstraction to my portfolio and maybe textiles again someday. I am constantly inspired by my colourful surroundings and my life on the Island, making the possibilities see