The Art Buyer gallery is delighted to be showing the work of London-based artist Charlotte Hardy. We wanted to know more on Charlotte Hardy’s creative practice, the artist joined us for a chat on the methods & inspirations behind her contemporary work. Continue reading for discussions on Hardy’s intuitive colour palette and love for naive art.
Pictured: Charlotte Hardy
Pictured: Charlotte Hardy
Talk us through the journey which your practice has undertaken over the course of your career; from subject matter, to mediums you use.
I studied printed textile design, so my work has always been focused around colour, pattern and decoration. On my degree course, I discovered a love of painting collections of ornate objects which has stayed with me over my whole career. In the embroidery department, there was a glass cabinet of beautifully curated objects around a theme which changed weekly. I would religiously draw and paint from these set ups in my sketchbook and in future years this has led to finding inspiration in museums, markets and antique shops. I enjoy working quickly with spontaneity and energy so acrylics suit my approach as they dry quickly.
Does your work stem from a sketchbook or drawings first before becoming a painting and does drawing hold importance in your practice?
I love drawing and I think all my paintings are drawings with paint. I think having a strong drawing practice where I observe thoughtfully to work out why something has caught my eye and what is it I want to describe is so important to my painting practice. Finding sketchbook time is sometimes really difficult but I always benefit when I do.
You’ve spoken previously on your interest in folk & outside art, what is it about this type of artwork that draws you in?
I realised quite early on in my degree course, that I love naive artwork including children’s artwork and folk art. The simplicity, rawness, imagination and energy draw me in. The authenticity of saying something without worrying about perspective or scale really appeals to me.
Do the still-life objects you work from hold a meaning personal to you, or are they a general representation and appreciation of the objects?
All of my ceramics and objects become very personal and meaningful. I attach narratives to them and through painting them again and again, I know them so well.
Pictured: Charlotte Hardy in the studio
Pictured: Charlotte Hardy in the studio
Your paintings have a distinct (and beautiful!) colour palette throughout your portfolio. Is this a conscious plan, or a colour-way that your intuition gravitates towards?
I’m drawn to describing the hidden colours of something, the under layers, the iridescent, the colours you can’t quite see but I imagine are there just beneath. A rich bright colour palette often emerges in contrast to earthly neutrals. It’s all very intuitive and not conscious.
What would you say fuels your creative practice? Do you visit galleries or visit artist talks to get inspiration for your own work?
My imagination of thinking about new paintings drives my practice. A desire to keep trying to say what I want to say about beauty and nature and how precious these things are. I love visiting galleries and exhibitions and they do feed my practice.
What are you most proud of when looking back from the beginning of your career up to this point in time?
The times when I’ve been confident enough to just be myself and do work from the heart that is truly authentic and full of passion. I’m getting better and better at doing this a lot more.
View the Charlotte Hardy collection
‘Rainbow Greens’ by Charlotte Hardy
‘Rainbow Greens’ by Charlotte Hardy
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My Life In Art ~ Charlotte Hardy
First piece of art you bought?
A beautiful handmade plate from a gallery in St.Ives. I was so pleased I could afford it and I still love it!
Favourite Artist?
Too Impossible to answer! A few are Winifred Nicholson, Mary Newcomb and Alfred Wallis.
If you could own any piece of art (even if you have to rob a bank or museum!), what would it be and why?
Alfred Wallis please! The raw energy, sense of space, breathtaking composition and quirky expression would light up my day every day.
‘Three Master with Seabirds’ by Alfred Wallis. Image credit: Alfred Wallis Website
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