Lizzie Alsop

Artist Interview

What medium do you work with, and why have you chosen them?

I use mainly acrylic paints and ink preferably. I love the way they can be worked with other mediums as I like to add collage and also oil pastel. Also they dry quickly which is another bonus. Lately I’ve been adding other textured layers such as sand and coffee.

How does your artwork get from initial concept to exhibition stage?

My artwork will start with an idea generated usually on a walk. I am constantly taking photos to use as inspiration later on. Then I will do a little sketch or a study on paper to work out patterns and the colour palette. I generally work in layers of dark to light as I like to sometimes have little bits show through a bit like the layers of a tree. My approach is very intuitive and I’m not always sure how my painting will turn out. It’s like being under a magic spell when I’m in my creative flow. My artworks always surprise me. That’s the exciting thing about creating. Once my artwork is complete I seal it with a protective varnish, finish the sides and send off to the framers to work their magic.

Can you tell us a little more about your creative working environment/studio?

My studio is located behind our family home in our coastal village on the Mornington Peninsula. It was the garage which I have now taken over. It’s perfect for when I have the urge to create as it’s just a few steps away. We are surrounded by rural land and coastal bush tracks which inspire my artwork.