Vanessa Julie Holmes

Artistic background

Art was my favourite subject at school, but sadly I didn't start painting and drawing seriously until since 2007 when I was living in a small circular village near Carcassonne, south west France. For two years I followed various courses held by an art teacher and artist in her own right, who became a dear friend, now sadly passed, Susan Keverne. I mainly paint for personal pleasure. Painting totally absorbs me, I leave the world behind and lose track of time when I am working on a picture. I also sell my work and some of my paintings grace the walls of houses in England, Ireland, Spain, France, Germany and Italy . Although I started painting in France I transferred to Italy in 2019, and have exhibited some of my paintings in various venues in my locality. I love to work in oil pastels and acrylics. I choose Sennelier oil pastels which are wonderful to work with! Their richness of colour and consistency remind me of lipsticks! I love to blend the colours with my finger tips. I usually begin with a base painting in acrylics, then I revert to oil pastels.....I don't have a particular style, although I am told my work is 'recognisable' in its boldness and colour. I paint what inspires me at the time, but I especially love the female form. I also love painting Venetian masks for their intricacy of detail, and richness of colour....not to forget flowers, those wonders of nature, usually from my own garden. My only wish is that I had more time to dedicate to my passion!