Anne Mayes

Anne Mayes.

After 30 years of teaching modern languages, I finally started to paint.

Life classes in France and Wales taught me so much and the acrylic class in Lincoln gave me the courage to show my work.

Experimenting with figurative painting was exciting but my real joy came with abstract pieces.

Large modernist pieces are what I enjoy working on the most, but I continue to be inspired by the exhibitions I visit and by all manner of figurative scenarios.

Since my twenties I have been passionate about mid-century art and design and inspired by textiles, interiors and artists from the 50s and 60s.   The works of Joan Eardley, Ivon Hitchens, Roger Hilton , Nicolas de Staël and Barbara Hepworth  have been very influential in my development.    The shapes, colours and textures in their work have led me to find my own niche.

I love to make layers of colour and texture, then place abstract shapes on top. These may be drawn from the landscape, in particular trees, rocks and mountains. I also take inspiration from other cultures, having lived in France and Wales and travelled extensively in Japan.

I am a member of the Nadin group and a proud new member of LAS.