TINA SPRATT

TINA SPRATT
I have always been fascinated by the skill and draughtsmanship involved in painting. In my own work a great emphasis is placed on the execution, I tend to paint in many layers to build up the glow of light and depth I require to create the atmosphere and mood. I was inspired very early on by the dramatic use of light in the work of Rembrandt, and later the paintings of Caravaggio. Both had a huge impact on me and have stayed with me to the present day, the lighting being an important part of my own work. I also greatly admire Vermeer for the atmospheric and domestic settings he portrays with beautiful lighting, not forgetting the amazing fabrics and figures rendered by Velázquez.
My paintings which are focused on the female form, are glimpses of a simple everyday intimacy, I am interested in capturing that fleeting time when a person is unaware of being observed, there is something very honest and private about that moment. I hope to portray a sense of ambiguity for the viewer to arrive at their own conclusions and evoke an emotional connection with the model. I use a variety of techniques in my painting including glazing which has the ability to bring out amazing colours and depth from the transparency of certain oils, although each painting often has a slightly varied approach depending on what I feel it requires. I am forever challenging myself to develop my painting skills further and continue to explore my subject.
Tina Spratt was born in Somerset in 1976 and completed her education at the University of Wolverhampton, graduating with a BA (Hons) degree in Illustration in 1998. However she chose not to pursue Illustration as a career, instead it was her passion for drawing the human figure that she returned to. Although an early admirer of artists such as Lucian Freud, Rembrandt and Caravaggio, Tina nevertheless found her own direction with the emphasis being on light and mood. Her work has developed through differing levels   experimenting with limited palette and cropping in her early work and more recently with the exploration of texture and mood, together with the familiar theme of fabric. All of this lends itself well to the closely observed beautiful and powerful work she produces. Tina's work really caught the public imagination when she had a solo show in Bristol. Within a week she had sold a total of 27 Pastels and Oils; BBC Radio had broadcast an interview; she was contacted by TV, and the national press published their interview. Her work continues to go from strength to strength with all paintings selling as soon as they are exhibited. Tina is clearly an outstanding painter and in my opinion has huge potential.