|
|
|
Home |
Biography Leila specialises in seascapes, ranging from figurative to abstract. She started painting at an early age and sold her first piece of work at the age of 12, in Scarborough, North Yorkshire where she grew up. The bracing North East coast provided a rich source of inspiration during her formative years, and she spent many hours on the beach, in all weathers, soaking up the essence of the cold North Sea (sometime literally). This time has had a major impact on her work as an artist, and her fascination with the beach and sea has developed accordingly. After a Business Studies degree, and 12 years as an accountant, she made time again for her love of painting, attending Hereford College of Art & Design. Regular trips to the St Ives School of Painting have also been an important source of inspiration and technical guidance, and she started selling her paintings professionally through galleries in 2004. Having lived in Gloucestershire for a number of years, she moved to East Sussex at the start of 2010, and is delighted to be close to the sea once more. As well as mixed exhibitions she has had several solo shows, and her paintings are enjoyed in France, Italy, Israel, the USA, Canada and Hong Hong, as well as the UK. Most of her paintings are on box canvases, with the image continuing around the edge. A small selection is available as limited edition prints, cards and postcards. Her chosen medium is acrylic, for its versatility, and the exciting potential for including mixed media such as muslin and sand. She uses top quality Golden Acrylics, keeping to a limited palate to create harmony throughout her work. Previous experience with ceramics and printmaking have resulted in her love of an interesting surface quality. Her aim is to capture the essence of her subject while allowing a personal response from you as the viewer. We all have different life experiences, and sometimes a painting will evoke something personal to you. She has been fascinated with the beach, and waves for many years, studying waves around the coast of the British Isles, as well as the Maldives, Mauritius and France. The use of texture (or not) is relevant, and many of Leila's paintings contain apparently random textures, as well as thoughtfully placed additions. Life is full of the unexpected, and these random textures represent the unexpected elements which make your life interesting and unique. She does not look for perfection, but rather prefers the imperfections that create individuality and enduring interest.
|
|
Leila Godden copyright 2010 |
