Sophie Harding, the talented painter behind a collection of vibrant and emotive works, has spent over three decades refining her artistic style. Known for her expressive use of color and everyday inspirations, Sophie has built a reputation for creating art that evokes joy and emotional depth. Her journey, shaped by a lifelong passion for painting, reflects a dedication to capturing life’s simple yet meaningful moments. We had the opportunity to sit down with Sophie to explore her creative process, the inspirations behind her work, and the feelings she aims to convey through her captivating pieces.
Lekàla: Describe your work in three words:
Sophie: Vibrant, joyful and emotive
Lekàla: What first drew you to painting, and how has your style evolved over the years?
Sophie: I’ve painted all my life. My style has become more simplified as the years have gone on. I think a lot can be said with very little and I try to convey this with my work.
What themes or subjects do you find yourself most drawn to in your work? Where do you find inspiration?
Sophie: My work is inspired by everyday moments in my life. This can be a walk through a local garden, seasonal flowers, objects I’ve collected over the years, fruit lurking in the fruit bowl, a view through a window. I’ll paint anything which inspires me.
Lekàla: What role does colour play in your paintings, and how do you choose your palette?
Sophie: Colour is integral to my work as I use it to emote feelings within a piece. Vibrant colours for joy, muted colours for calm and a darker palettes for contemplation
Lekàla: Can you describe your creative process when starting a new painting?
Sophie: I work from life making sketches on paper with pen or occasionally I’ll work from a photo if I haven’t had the materials with me to draw. If I’m happy with a sketch I’ll use it as a guide to work a piece up. I’ll prime up a coloured background on canvas and then paint the layout. Colour is fairly intuitive for me however the palette can change as I go along if I feel the balance isn’t quite working. This often leads to interesting layers with subtle sparks of previous colours showing
Lekàla: How does it feel to see your work displayed in galleries and what emotions or messages do you hope to convey through your artwork?
Sophie: I first started selling my paintings in galleries when I was 18 ( 35 years ago) but despite that it’s still exciting to see my work being exhibited. I hope there’s a message of joy in my work and a feeling that the simple things in life are the most important
Lots more to come from the wonderful Sophie Harding.