Jenny Portlock - There is Still a Glimmer of Hope

Michelle Owen

“My work is an attempt to create stillness, to pause and reflect.

I create atmospheric pieces which are an expression and meditation on landscape. These are not literal depictions, more an emotional response to landscape. Using oil on linen, and also watercolour on Japanese Washi paper, I try to covey the transience and impermanence of place.

The titles of the paintings such as “Between the SIghts of the Sun” are inspired by lines of poetry, and others are purely in response to nature observed.

I am interested in the expression of inner psychological states expressed through the landscape. I am inspired by stillness, space, texture, colour, light and the pure materiality of paint interacting on the surface of a canvas.

I hope that the viewer of my work, can feel the beauty and power of the landscape and reflect on its preciousness and fragility.”

Michell Owen holds a BA (Hons) Fine Art (1st Class) MA and Post Graduate Diploma from the National College of Art, Dublin. Alongside her painting practice, she has been an art teacher and lecturer in the UK, USA and Ireland.