Featured Artist Fiona Groom

Expression, detail and humor are the hallmarks of Australian artist Fiona Groom’s captivating animal portraits. Visit the artist’s website to see more of her work.

 

 

For me, the animal kingdom has always been a source of inspiration. Using my camera to document the animals has also been my most favourite way to begin my painting process.

 

 

From there, I turn to the computer to sort through my reference files and brainstorm ideas for the next composition, cropping and rearranging them. This enables me to create compositions that focus on that chosen animal. Using several images, I create my arrangement and then map it out on the canvas. It is then that the good stuff begins as I start to build layers of acrylic paint.

 

 

I like to combine humour in my work as much as possible. I feel it helps to create a narrative, which then opens the painting up to the viewer’s own interpretation. By positioning my animal subjects looking out of the painting, I feel it helps draw the observer in, highlighting not only the beauty of nature, but generating an emotional response as well.

 

 

Painting gives me a feeling of happiness—a place to relax, reflect and get lost in the process. I find that by painting, painting and painting, I progress, absorb and develop as an artist. This in turn fuels my desire for what I produce.

 

 

I have always been arty and through a series of education opportunities, including a BA in Fine Art Visual Culture, I have been able to further my knowledge and experience. This has resulted in opportunities to exhibit nationally in Australia and internationally as well. These events have led to more opportunities and by joining a variety of local art groups and organizations I have gained valuable skills and a better understanding of the art world.

 

 

I have been very fortunate to have had success selling my work—my paintings are in private collections here in Australia as well as the United Kingdom, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States.

 

 

I have also had my work featured in several publications, including the cover of Creative Artist Magazine Issue 11 in 2016 which also included a ten page spread of my work and a workshop showing the painting process. Some of my images have also been included in a coffee table book titled Amazing Australian Artists.

 

 

Overall, I would have to say that this artistic road I’m on is forever twisting and turning and as an artist my work continues to evolve and improve. I never stop learning. With each new painting I hope the viewer enjoys looking at them as much as I have enjoyed creating them.

 

Artist Fiona Groom invites you to follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

 

Want to stay current on cutting edge business articles from Artsy Shark, plus artist features, and an invitation to the next Call for Artists? Click below to sign up for our twice-monthly email. You’ll get all this plus opportunities and special offers that you can’t get anywhere else!