Soolie Burke
When my son was 5 years old, I decided that instead of traditionally painting the walls of his bedroom, I would paint a simple, continual depiction of a typical Norfolk Sea scene, a part of the country of which my family is particularly fond. It ended up on 3 of the 4 walls. The actual painting was so enjoyable that I decided to attempt an image on a piece of canvas, which also turned out quite well.
This was the trigger for my journey into the world of oil painting, which has included classes in life drawing and general oil painting techniques, all by professional Leamington artists.
I have no set style; I just paint whatever takes my interest on the day. I am, however, particularly bond of the late Bob Ross’s style of mountain painting and have often followed his methods.
Leamington Studio Artists is now a major part of my life, and I hope the exhibition I have put together on show at Jephson Gardens Gallery will please and inspire you.
Pip Balfe
Pip Balfe is a multi-disciplinary artist, interior designer and stylist with over 40 years of professional experience. Pip creates work that blends fine art with a deep understanding of space, composition and visual storytelling. Pip’s background as a fully trained window dresser and stylist informs her work, giving her a strong eye for balance, detail and visual impact.
Pip’s paintings explore atmosphere, light and emotion through expressive landscapes, still life and interior-inspired scenes. She aims to create work that is both visually striking and evocative, drawing viewers into a sense of place and mood while maintaining a strong connection to design and composition.
Pip was selected for the final stage of the Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts, one of the world’s most prestigious Open exhibitions. Alongside Pip’s artistic practice, she continues to create and curate interiors, bringing a cohesive and timeless aesthetic to both spaces and artwork.
