Derval Freeman - Wicklow

Irish artist Derval Freeman, Wicklow

My style of painting leans towards abstract expressionism and I am inspired by nature, cosmic events and the cycle of life in every living thing. My inspirations come from my life experiences past and present and from nature and the wonder and enormity of the universe. For me the infinite space beyond our planet is incomprehensible and it puts a lot of things into perspective on a personal level. I have become more and more inspired by astronomical events especially this year 2020. I feel as much an urge to go out star gazing and photographing our night skies to explore, as much as I need to go out on walks in nature.

When out on my walks I follow maps a lot of the time using phone maps. I am often told by people who have looked at my paintings that they feel like they are looking down into something from an elevated perspective. This really excites me because metaphorically I see the world from a 'zoomed out' point of view but it also hints towards my inspirations. Perhaps the maps I follow on walks are somehow influencing the composition and flow of the painting.

My painting process almost always start's with the drawing. I begin my paintings with a mix of free expressive pencil or charcoal gestures with little thought of what I want to do. As the under drawings flow they become almost figurative, by connecting circular gestures with line and marks, to explore an infinite space within the boundaries of the canvas.

I layer upon the drawings with oils and cold wax, refining it as the composition is built upon. I am interested in the way the under drawings dictate the paint. The composition becomes more refined with marks made that in places, cover the under drawings completely. As the under drawing fades away I mark them back in where ever it wants to emerge again. This further directs what shapes and marks need to be painted in or taken up until the work has found its balance. I am also interested in the play of colour and how monotones of lights and darks can influence it. I make colour transparencies juxtaposed with matted colour impastos of oils in cold wax.

Website: www.dervalfreeman.com