Tanya Paton

I Work mostly in acrylics. Large faces or stylized florals seem to be my current subject matter. Usually starting with a black canvas, then Layer upon layer of paint is used achieving a luminous quality, rich in colour and texture. I have a spontaneous way of making the painting and like to use an intuitive approach to allow the image to emerge on the canvas, something like a conversation. Strongly influenced by, and highly sensitive to my surroundings, I find my work reflects not only my mood and inner life - but also the physical environment I find myself in. Over the last 20 years I have lived in 4 countries - New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and Bali, and I find touches of this blending of cultures present in my work. I now live in New Plymouth, the place of my birth, and am passionate about both painting and photography.