Carole Knighton

I draw on memory, experience and observations of all the beautiful places where I have lived. The Chiltern Hills, Cornwall, the New Forest, Scotland and now retired in Dorset. I’m inspired by mountains, moorlands and lochs, combes and cliff tops, the sea and shore. When I first started to paint my landscapes were largely realistic but increasingly my work has become more abstract. More about the atmosphere and feel of walking in the hills, being barefoot in the sand or listening to the sea over pebbles.
I take photos and sketch on my travels then create a journal. In the studio I commit to canvas, or paper, an impression, a memory and hopefully an emotion felt while being in that place. I work in acrylics and mixed media using brushes and various found tools, rags, scrapers, sandpaper. I love the process of adding and subtracting layers of paint until the alchemy begins and a hidden memory of somewhere emerges. A mindscape. I love experimenting with art materials and the magic of what paint can do.
I have an MA (Hons) in Art History and took up painting about 13 years ago. I am largely self-taught and with the encouragement and experience of tutor lead art groups. I have gained enough knowledge to know the most important thing is to have fun.