Theresa Henning Art
I am inspired by the natural world, responding intuitively, abstracting from reality. Interpreting what I see and feel in acrylic and mixed media.
We take so many photos, who needs paintings?
Sometimes I have to fight the impulse to photograph a place or event and to just enjoy, taking pure pleasure in the moment. It is that moment of pleasure, joy, wonder that I am trying to capture when I paint. A fleeting, elusive, fragile thing, it would seem impossible to fix on to a surface.
Like everyone else I take many photos, but when I come to create they are just one resource alongside sketches, written notes and above all my memory of the impact of that place at that time. Setting up a resonance, space for you to respond with your own experiences.
A significant influence on my recent work has been my participation in the ‘Defining Practice’ course at the Newlyn School of Art. This course, initially scheduled for one year, developed into two years due to Covid restrictions. Time I was able to use to reflect on and to apply the guidance offered by artists/mentors.
As a consequence I now work in a more experimental, fluid way, and have moved away from watercolour as a medium, currently using oils, acrylics, mixed media and printing. My focus is on enjoying the process, developing the elements I have been exploring over the years in watercolour- design, colour, tone, with a looser, increasingly impressionistic approach.
My inspiration has always been the beauty of the natural world and even when working on an abstract piece my intention is to evoke a sense of place. I aim to engage the viewer in a narrative, encouraging them to contribute to the dialogue I have been having with the work. This requires a sensitive balance between giving information yet leaving space.
Inspiration and Process
Painting Outside
Every year I travel with a couple of good friends and fellow artists to spend a week together painting outdoors. Usually we travel to Brittany and try to stay as close to the coast as we can get. This has been a valuable catalyst for each of us over the years, as well as being great fun. Below are some images of us at work and some of the paintings produced.
Art Residencies
Painting in a different workspace can be so stimulating. I have been invited to use a large studio for a month both last year and this. It gives me the opportunity to work on a larger scale and also on multiple pieces at once. All in the setting of a beautiful wildflower garden. I’m about to order materials ready for later in the year. Very exciting, so check back to see the results.
I have undertaken a few commissions but the most enjoyable was to paint one of my favourite places- St Ives. I was given a very open brief, the clients wanted my authentic interpretation of an aspect of the town. I knew that what I wanted to capture was the surprise and excitement of glimpsing the sea framed by the cobbled streets and cottages. After photographing and sketching, discussing the concept shape, size and colour I set to and painted several versions so that they had a choice. They selected two in the end and the last in the series sold when I exhibited it in a local café/ deli.
