Iwona Rhodes

My Seaside and Beyond series emerges from a deep emotional connection with the ocean - its beauty, its serenity, and its profound mysteries. I’ve long been drawn to the sea’s dominant blues, which, in my work, symbolize not only its healing and calming power but also the hidden depths that mirror our inner worlds - deep, complex, and not always visible at the surface.

Blending elements of emotional expressionism, Impressionism, and abstraction, my artistic language becomes a vessel for translating memory, mood, and movement into visual form. I use expressive brushwork, layered textures, and diffused light to evoke both an internal emotional landscape and the ever-shifting character of the sea. Each painting balances intentional mark-making with intuitive response, allowing the process itself to mirror the unpredictable rhythm of waves and tides.

A defining feature of this series is the application of thick, decorative textures that physically rise from the surface of the canvas. These tactile layers add a sculptural dimension to the work, offering viewers not only a visual but a sensory experience. The textures invite closer engagement and create dynamic shifts in light and shadow, enhancing the emotional resonance and material r...

Master's Degree in Art Education.