March 2005, Stephanie Thompson

Stephanie Thompson has only been working with watercolours for five years and has already developed her own very distinctive style. Being self-taught, she has not been influenced by a school or tutor and now produces what can best be described as 'semi abstract still life' that should appeal to lovers of both abstract and still life. Her work also manages to convey the spirit of Andalucia.

Stephanie was born in London and has spent time in Harrogate and North Yorkshire. In her mid twenties she felt compelled to work creatively with her hands and took up hand embroidery, appliqué and machine embroidery. She concentrated on plants and foliage and ethnic Indian and Moroccan themes producing some very intricate designs.

Eighteen years ago she and her husband moved to Gaucin. Stephanie continued with her embroidery and many people will be familiar with her embroidered cards that can be found for sale in various artisan shops locally. She has been a member of the Gaucin Art Group since its very early days.

Five years ago she mentioned to her husband that she would like to try painting in watercolours and he bought her a paint set. Since then Stephanie has produced many works inspired by the plants found in the area. As she admits, many of the subjects of the paintings are created in her own mind, hence they are not truly still life, but the composition of the paintings resembles still life producing an intriguing result best judged by looking at the works themselves.