Whilst I've painted all my life, it wasn't until leaving work and moving to Worcester that I had time to become really serious about my practice. I have previously studied at Bournville School of Art and Malvern School of Art, but have spent many hours in my studio exploring and developing my ideas.

The abstract elements of art shape, line, texture and their relationships are the drivers of my painting. It is essential that a completed piece of work feels exciting, surprising, something I would be happy to see daily. Whilst out in the world I find inspiration in textures, colours, weathered surfaces, the man made objects that become so familiar they are usually overlooked.

My starting point is usually very free, loosely exploring colour relationships, contrasting shapes or edges. These ideas are tried out, varying the parameters in many studies, often resulting in a series of paintings arising from a single experience. Each piece develops through a dialogue of call and response allowing intuitive and spontaneous mark making and careful consideration of the results.

I use acrylic paint and inks, along with drawing tools to make marks, which offer a contrast with areas of paint. During the layering process I collage my own painted tissue as further texture. This process of layering allows the development of a rich and complex surface, providing the viewer with a rewarding experience.

www.suefirmin.co.uk
www.instagram/sue_firmin

I exhibit through

Little Buckland Gallery, Broadway
Tarpey Gallery, Castle Donnington
Take Four Gallery, Ledbury
Number Four Gallery, St Abbs
Periodically Elmslie House, Malvern