Fiona J Rose

In conversation with Humph Hack - Curator

Fiona was born in Kenya. I asked her if that had influenced her art. She told me, “Yes, but I’m part Norwegian as well.” The natural beauty of white beaches and snow-capped mountains can be seen in much of her work.

She is opening a small gallery in Kenya this year. “My most recent white turquoise coastal works will be there soon”.

When studying at University, she was lucky to share her time with a very supportive group of people. “There were artists, designers and animators. We helped each other”. The teaching qualification, she took, after her degree was equally enjoyable, with attentive tutors and small groups.

Initially her teaching took precedence. “I taught at Sussex University, with the British Council and Brighton MET”. But now spends most of her time on her own work alongside group sessions and teaching one-to-one sessions, in her studio, helping other artists. Fiona launched an Instagram page and has since had enquiries from all over the world requesting lessons. “I decided to launch an online textured art course for anyone who wants to try adding texture to their work”.

Fiona’s use of texture comes out of her love of both sculpture and painting. “When a piece has texture it adds a different dimension. Placed in a room with natural light, a textured piece will cast shadows & change slightly throughout the day."

Nature, landscapes and seascapes tend to be her preference. “I tend use colours based on what I feel rather than what I see”.

There will be a focal point to add interest, a person, an animal or a mode of transport. The paintings are full of emotion, especially if it has a strong historical background.

The love of nature that shines through her work comes again from her colourful earthy upbringing. “I lived surrounded by wild animals, forest and flora that bloomed all year round. There were monkeys and birds of paradise nesting. It’s hard to explain, but nature brings a kind of peace and quietness like nothing else can”.

Fiona travels widely, always with her art materials and mini canvases. “I just venture out into the country with my sketchbook and a few oil paints and find a quiet spot outside to work and watch how colour & light behave”.

Recent trips were to Morocco, studying the Berbers and Tangere Aviation Museum working on her D-Day painting.

When House and Gardens magazine wanted to showcase new artists of 2023, she came under their radar.
“I was very flattered. It’s always exciting to see your work in a famous magazine”.

In the past Fiona found Art Fairs a useful place to advertise her work and to sell, but her studio has become her gallery.

Some artists take photos to use for work back in the studio. Fiona prefers sketching at the venue. The eventual results seem to be stronger, as a consequence.

Asked about her plans for the future - Fiona told me, “My next collection takes me to Le Mans in France this summer. Here I will be looking at the history of the 24 hr rally. I want to incorporate some of the gorgeous vintage cars into my textured scenery.

BUT first, I need to feel it”.

July 2024

Selected works

 Click here to see Fiona's other works  See Other Featured Artists