Tanya Cole is a self taught Contemporary Portrait Painter, art mentor & creativity counsellor/OT. Originally from Perth, she has lived in Broome, South Australia and is now residing in Dunsborough, Western Australia. She has undertaken several group and solo exhibitions locally and her work is now part of private collections throughout Australia, in the UK, India & the USA. Her paintings are mostly acrylic on canvas but more recently, also rendered in oil; with her signature work consisting of bright, vibrant colour juxtaposed with deep tonal variation, layered and painterly effects in her portraits.
Artist Statement
My work is inspired by philosophy, psychology, nature and people relating and moving through the struggles and highs of life. Interacting with people and my surroundings day to day will have me glimpse an aspect of life calling me to sketch the idea and concept quickly into my sketchbook and then develop it onto canvas in my studio later.
Drawing and painting faces is a constant and a passion, to which I aspire to develop my craft. My expressive approach with paint aims to produce works that intuitively capture the essence and spirit of the subject; to uplift, reflect and inspire the human spirit. Tonal variation, texture and colour are used to evoke various mood and emotion, with the intention to open us up to feel and deeply connect consciously with our selves...through opened and awakened senses.
Exhibitions often consist of multiple works, occasionally in a range of different media (acrylic, ink, paper, graphite, charcoal, oils), grouped around specific themes, inspirations and deep meaning. Throughout the research and production of the work, new inspirations arise and inform the next body of work.
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