Painters Online editor’s choice
Meet this month’s editor’s choice winner from our Painters Online gallery
General Practitioner, Petra Palmeri is originally from Spain, but relocated to the UK in 1992 when she married. ‘My artistic journey began early,’ she tells us. ‘Although I pursued a career in medicine, I am a self-taught artist, learning through online workshops, art websites, books and magazines. I aim to balance my occasionally stressful job as a doctor with my artistic career, which can be challenging at times, but I find that creating art is a way to alleviate workrelated stress. ‘In 2011 I joined my local art club, where my first exhibition was a surprising success. I also joined art platforms like Painters Online which provided valuable feedback from fellow artists. My artistic focus is on still life, with a preference for realism and oil paints and a realistic style. I love the versatility of oils and the slow drying time, which affords the opportunity to mix colours directly on the painted surface and to blend them effortlessly. I often paint objects I’ve acquired over the years from diverse places, including antique shops and auctions.
‘My work has gained recognition and has earned me the best-still-life-in-exhibition trophy at the Guernsey Eisteddfod for eight years since 2015, and in 2021 I produced a set of Alderney stamps issued by Guernsey Post to celebrate the United Nation’s International Year of Fruits and Vegetables.
‘Guernsey Cans reflects my passion for painting and my love for Guernsey – my home since 2000. Painted on a smooth aluminium panel, which is excellent for achieving fine details, it showcases the island’s traditional silver and copper milk cans, chosen for their elegant design and the enchanting reflections they cast.’