Maggie Ettlinger-Luff

I have a BA hons in fine art , and a H.N.C in printmaking.

www.magieluff.co.uk
My work is a response what I see. Sometimes the abstract shapes formed by light and shadow or the plain areas in the subject inspire me to distort and rearrange the image. I look at a subject and I adapt the image, changing colours and rearranging form, adding my own design to the painting until I find a balance that I feel works. Not realistic, but a more colourful and playful experience.
I gain knowledge of the subject by sketching first, getting to understand the form and problems, sometimes taking photographs. Having carefully studied the subject makes it easier in my mind how I want to work. I do not work from photos alone as it is not possible to get a true feeling of relative space and depth of field, but they are a useful reference.
Then I paint directly onto the canvas or paper. I work very quickly, an immediate response rather than a conscious plan. My work favours still life because of it’s accessibility but I enjoy experimenting with diferent styles and media.