The places

Usually there is a recognisable 'formative influence', thus: my work in 2002 and '03 was influenced by months spent in Southern India and Sri Lanka - Keralan coastal ports with their fishing villages and vibrant markets, light over the waters of the Arabian Sea and the inland waterways, the dry and barren inlands of Tamil Nadu and the hills and mountains of the Nilgaris and the Western Ghats. Over the same period I managed some time painting in Britain, in the South Downs near Seaford, and in the open chalk-down countryside around Winchester.

The drama of cloudscapes, mixed with the subtlety of the morning light or the glory of a sunset, have become the essence of my compositions.”

HENRIETTA STUART

THE FRENCH COUNTRYSIDE

In 2003 I spent an extended period of time in the south of France. My French home in 2004 was in the raised circulade (village) of St Pons de Mauchiens in the Herault, dominated by its 'garrigues' - a landscape of limestone uplands, many surmounted by vineyards, planted in what looks like just shattered rock. We were also near the coast, and I have painted the littoral around the nearby port of Sète, and the enclosed waters of the Bassin de Thau-Bouzigues, with its mussel-beds and characteristic boats, the waters calm and reflective especially early in the morning. In 2005 I moved to a new studio in Neffies, where the surrounding countryside provided a new influence on the 2005 Autumn collection.

THE WARMTH OF THE ADRIATIC

In 2007 & 2009, I travelled to the Greek island of Ithaca, in the Ionian Sea. I spent four months on the island walking, sketching and painting. It was on returning to France and being back in my studio that I started to see the influences coming through and enriching the compositions. Ithaca has shown unique Ionian softness and calm juxtaposed against the bustle of the ports with their fishing boats and flotillas, the panoramic views from the hilltop villages, or sea mists obscuring all but the occasional silhouette. The warmth, noise and whirl of the Panighiria festivals set against the quiet of the early morning seas seen over a carpet of spring colour.

THE COAST

In 2010 I visited Australia which again exposed me to new landscapes with rich reds yellows and blues.

I returned to the UK in 2011 and have spent some time finding a new studio. I have now moved into Wimbledon Art Studios, with my painting being inspired once again by the local landscape, but in a new light influenced by the last 8 years. My most recent influence has been from trips to the west coast of Scotland and weekly trips to the coast of West Sussex. As I see more and more of the British coastline I fall more in love with British light.