Japanese garden, Nature Series Drawing

Please visit me on : www.mariannesturtridge.com I am an art teacher by profession and enjoy the constant challenges of "problem solving" and frustration that goes with art. Teaching art has encouraged me to experiment with new approaches and draw from a history of art knowledge. My paintings seek to convey a range of human feelings from community to alienation, sometimes with a religious, mythological or fantasy theme. While teaching children with physical disabilities I explored themes on attitudes towards disability, illness and censorship. The foundation of my work is drawing, often evolving into mixed media. My painting style ranges from traditional oil and watercolour painting to experimental work in a wide range of materials including computer-based art, bas-relief and ceramics. Alongside painting I have made clay sculptures including torsos and shoes. I use my life drawings as a starting point when making clay torsos and try to capture something of the person in this work.