Art watch: Seeing spots Creative works by artist Tania Blanchard

ARTIST TANIA BLANCHARD USES LAYER UPON LAYER OF DENSE COLOUR TO CREATE HER TEXTURED WORKS

Painter Tania Blanchard’s signature style involves using myriad colours carefully layered over time. “It can take up to three to four weeks to complete a piece because of the way I paint, and the canvases are so large,” explains Tania of her works, which can measure 2 x 1.4m. Working from a studio at the back of her home on Queensland’s Gold Coast, Tania creates using different-sized spatulas, setting her canvases flat so the paint doesn’t run. Inspired by nature and graphic photography, her colour combinations are drawn from the ocean, sunset tones, a field of flowers, with a riot of contrast.

The thick, textural finish also means they cast interesting shadows.

Although art has always been Tania’s first love, it took a leap of faith to pursue it wholeheartedly three years ago. “I studied fine art after school, but also did a diploma in graphic design, which provided a more direct career path,” she explains. Keeping a sketch book for almost two decades while she worked as a graphic designer and had a young family, Tania documented her ideas and style as it evolved, waiting until the time was right to pursue art full-time. “When my youngest child, Sahara, started school, I realised there was nothing holding me back and I just decided to go for it,” she recalls.

Now, commissions keep her busy in the studio five days a week. “After being very involved as a mum of three, now the kids are a little older I’ve found painting is something just for me,” she says. For more information visit taniablanchardcreative.com.

“I LOVE pushing the boundaries WITH COLOUR COMBINATIONS AND CREATING SOMETHING TANGIBLE. IT’S PURE ESCAPISM” ~ Tania Blanchard