Artist Clare Brodie guides us through the creative process behind her distinctive nature-inspired pieces
AnA eye for colour and design givesg this artist’s paintings ofo bold abstract landscapes a distinctive look
You’ve previously worked in interior design. What encouraged you to explore art? I was interested in art from a young age, however I studied interior design, which led me to work as a commercial interior designer for 20 years. Drawing, painting and art courses were always happening in the background, though. How has your work as an interior designer influenced your artistic style? My artwork heavily relies on what I learnt from design – perspective, composition and the thoughtful choice of colour. I see my art practice as design-based. Shifting from a design career to being a full-time artist took a lot of exploration and studio time. While I was working in the interiors industry in London, I was drawn to the amazing range of textiles. I loved the way fabrics were presented in collections, with a hero design and all its matching coordinates. I emulate this layering of ideas by varying the perspective of my work, zooming in or pulling out and also by varying canvas size. What is your main focus when you begin a new piece? Where do you start? Each artwork flows from the previous painting. By the time I finish a canvas, I know the next concept I’d like to explore. When I’m painting for an exhibition, somewhere near the end of producing the main body of work, the next series is born. This constant reveal and evolution of ideas throughout the process captivates me. What is your approach with colour? I am very deliberate with my choice of colour as I use this to project how I feel about the landscape and my emotions when I am surrounded by nature. My use of flat planes of saturated colour has become my signature style. Currently, I use variations of tertiary complementary colours with their tints and shades surrounded by neutrals. Each painting develops in its own unique way – I can never really predict the final outcome. What role does nature and landscape play in your creative process? I have an affinity for natural landscapes and I’ve focused my artwork on the Australian bushland, concentrating on my local area and Lake Tabourie, where we often go for holidays. Walking is something I do daily to reflect on and empower my art practice and through my observation of bush shapes in changing lights, I have created my own visual language. What does the next year hold for you? If next year looked similar to this year with a solo exhibition, joint art exhibitions and lots of studio time, I would be a tired but happy artist!