“In all things of nature there is something of the marvellous….” – Aristotle, ‘On the Parts of Animals’.
Riona O’Shea is a classically trained artist with a background in botanical painting and an interest in late nineteenth & early twentieth century book illustration.
At her London studio she draws inspiration from the natural world to produce both large-scale paintings and jewel-like miniatures in exquisite detail. Using tiny brushes, and always working from life, she builds alternate layers of watercolour and ink so that colours are at once translucent yet intensely vivid.
“ I love the sketchbooks ambitious explorers used to record strange new worlds during their epic voyages. There is a real sense of wonder in their depiction of the unfamiliar, it’s this I’m hoping to capture in my own work. ’
Bio:
Chelsea Collage of Art – Foundation
Warwick University – Theatre and Fine Art. Ba Hons.
Chelsea Physic – Botanical Painting Diploma
Central Illustration – My Illustration Family
Links:
Studio strike – My home, a non profit artists studio.
The Papered Parlour – My network of Clapham creatives.
Sam Roberts – My wonderful photographer and editor.
Chérie City – My culture vulture web designer
The London Taxidermy – Every natural historian’s best friend.
The Trinity – The art of fine dining can be found in SW4