Artist Statement

Inspired by the countryside, flora and food, Olwen draws landscape features, flora and still life directly on her iPad, creating limited edition digital images full of luminous colour.

The Millennium Wall at the National Stone Centre, Wirksworth, is the focus of a series of recent works which are drawn directly in front of the subject.

“I am fascinated by the different colours and shapes in the dry stone walls, and the way ancient rocks and boulders have been built into a new structure. Irregular raw materials have lent themselves to varying construction techniques, developed by the skill and knowledge of the wallers. Close observation reveals many colours in the rock, lichen and flora.

I enjoy drawing outdoors as it prolongs the depth of experience and appreciation of a location. The subject changes depending on the weather and lighting. Using an iPad overcomes the challenge of mixing paint and transporting wet canvases, although the outcome can still be affected by the sun, cold, rain, interest of onlookers and curious dogs.”

Creating ‘virtual’ vases filled with flora and specimens from a particular location are another subject. “On visits to new or familiar places, I draw flowers, foliage, feathers, grasses, seaweed and other objects which catch my interest.” The most recent series was drawn on visits to Chatsworth Gardens.

The resulting images are giclée printed using archival quality ink and paper.

Olwen studied Fine Art at Newport College of Art. She has worked as a stained glass designer and also taught art and art history. Her work has been exhibited at The British Council Singapore, Wirksworth Art and Architecture Trail and Ashbourne Art Festival.

Visit Instagram @white_foot_print to see more of her digital drawings.