Vanessa Sorboen: Exploring light and shadows in nature-inspired art

Artist Vanessa Sorboen was born in South Africa but grew up in Cornwall. She also lived in France and then moved to Norfolk 10 years ago. Living in different places has made Vanessa appreciate the varied landscapes and big skies that she loves to paint.

Interested by the constantly changing British weather that transforms a landscape or place entirely in her art Vanessa loves to paint shadows on a bright day and the vibrant colours in nature, but equally the moodiness of a winters day.

Here, in her own words, Vanessa Sorboen shares her story …

Backstory and how I got into Art

I grew up in Cornwall and studied art A level, but went on to do a degree in European Business Studies with Italian – spending a year abroad in Northern Italy. I then moved to London, but my love of travel led to me moving abroad for many years, I only came back to art when I moved to Norfolk, which, along with Cornwall has a very rich and extensive art community and industry.

I attended various courses and lessons over the years but my entry into the art world happened very organically. I set myself up on Instagram and then a local independent shop invited me to sell some of my art work. At the same time, I was approached by a local gallery who started exhibiting my work. This led to me doing exhibitions and then collaborating with a couple of local businesses and brands on various projects.

Style

I work mainly in oils and would describe my style as loose and contemporary. I use bright colours and aim to paint places that people will recognise  or feel a connection to without trying to replicate it with precision or detail. I am particularly drawn to scenes in nature (or anywhere) where light and shadows are notably present.

I paint an impressionistic view of what I see and the colours I use are always chosen to give a feeling of presence and time. Having lived in many places, I am influenced by different styles and artists and a variety of landscapes.

Current work

I have been producing a collection of work for an upcoming exhibition. It depicts my love of nature and the beautiful and rich landscapes of the East of England. I am drawn to the coast which always fascinates me as to how different it can look depending on where you are in the British Isles or in the world.

The amazing big skies of the East were what I tried to capture – its impressive skies owing to the flatness and openness of the countryside and spaces here. Water is always interesting to paint and the broads, wetlands and rivers of the East provide a rich tapestry of colours to work with.

Most of my paintings aim to show a journey of either looking forward or back and the constant movement of time, with a distant view or destination as the focal point. The changing seasons in the UK are also what I love to capture as the light is completely different depending on the season.

Upcoming exhibitions

I have just completed a body of work for my exhibition in Lincoln which was on 5th April to 28th April. I am based in the Mana Art gallery in Aylsham – a new gallery recently set up by Carolina Walker who has an impressive and varied collection of local and international artists and craft makers.

I also have work in The Post Room which is a lovely independent shop in the heart of Norwich which has an organic and authentic ethos. I will also be exhibiting in SW France this summer with a group of local artists aiming at capturing the stunning landscapes of Les Landes and the Pays Basque.

Advice for artists

The best advice I’ve been given by other artists is not to think about what people like but what you love to paint. It’s also important to accept that art is completely subjective and that’s why it’s so varied as an industry. I try to approach each painting with an open mind as to the colours and direction it could go and the finished result is rarely as I pictured it in my head, with happy mistakes or lessons learned along the way. I take the pressure off of staring at a big blank canvas so I console myself with the thought “I can always paint over it or give it to my mum”.

Follow Vanessa on Instagram @vanessa.sorboen

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