For almost two and a half years I have been painting, vibrantly and energetically, scenes of San Francisco. The collection of works began after a quick visit to the city back in 2010. My visit was inspiring, and I became in awe of the fresh Californian light and of the colours that very light enhanced. The hills of San Francisco gave the already beautiful architecture an interesting layered and stacking effect, which in turn became my muse to further develop my art when I returned to the UK.
As i developed my artwork, I became intensely interested in the way the buildings overlapped each other, seeming to create quite an abstract reality. The process for my San Francisco work remains usually quite exaggerated; distinct from the city’s first impression of natural colours and careful geometry. I envision the places I visit as bright colours and expressive marks, and so my representation holds a certain truth. I know that the more you look at a place, the more truthful each expressive mark becomes.
My San Francisco exhibition in Bristol received many wonderful positive comments, and also some happy sales along the way too. I was surprised to meet so many people who have both visited and lived in the city, and have said that my work has captured the energy and flavour of San Francisco just as it feels to be there.
You can keep up to date with what Lou is getting up to and purchase her work for sale and exhibitions through her website; www.loureade.co.uk with limited edition prints also available.