Nicky Chubb

My paintings are essentially optimistic and uplifting, I achieve this particularly through use of colour, which has such a strong impact on mood and atmosphere. I originally trained as a designer (BA hons Fashion, Central St Martins 1993) and the influence of my love of textiles can be seen in my use of contrasting colours, texture and pattern.

Watching my local landscape change over time and through the seasons in all weathers allows me to notice the new and unexpected tree colours created by different light. Stylised individual trees have been a constant theme in my work since 2012, they are currently rounded and centred, to create a feeling of peace and a quiet joy.

Drawing the human figure, trying to capture moments in time and changing light has always run parallel to any of my other work. My figure paintings are from life, I work in mixed media, using multi-layered combinations of collage, ink, paint, and metal leaf. I use collage to draw initially, tracking the effects of light across the body using repurposed scraps of paper and studio waste. Fragments of text and patterns that have relevance to the sitter’s own story are often included in the collage.

My work is available from galleries and at art fairs in the UK, France and Portugal.