Sarah Marks































The majority of my work is inspired by the combination of natural beauty and

architecture found in the West of England. The abundance, and diversity, of

wonderful places to visit in the West Country, means it is never difficult to choose a

location or appreciate someone elses choice.


Its wonderful to explore places, or revisit old friends, and find a view that captures

the feel of the place. The sort of scene you picture when you close your eyes and

bring the place to mind.


I try to gather as much information as I can about the scene. I take lots of snapshots

and make pencil or watercolour sketches. I also scribble notes ~ colours, lines,

shapes, points of interest, even the smells and noise. It is also nice to research the

location, as in the West Country there are always rich histories and quirky facts

that all add to the way a place is viewed. I love the special stories that lie behind

commissions in particular.


All this information goes onto a story board which is mounted next to my easel.

I prefer to paint in oil paint on stretched canvas. I love the depth and intensity of oils,

and the grain of the canvas.


I add personal touches to all the paintings. The figures are based on real life

people, including family and friends of those commissioning work! Names are also

sometimes snuck in, and pets. I often put myself in a painting, maybe just as a

shadow peeping out of the window of the house I would most like to live in!