Introducing artist Alison G Saunders

Alison G Saunders is an abstract painter brightening the world with vibrant colour and gilding, tapping into a rich seam of emotion with each piece. Here, she talks to us about her journey into the art world…

Tell us more about your journey into the art world.

My parents were both artists, so I ran in the opposite direction. A move to the USA for my husband’s job allowed me the opportunity to see if I could still make art. A series of amazing teachers over five years gave me the confidence to apply to art school on my return to the UK. I took my foundation and part of my BA before transferring to the Open College of Arts due to family needs.

How would you describe your signature style and technique?

First and foremost, I love working with colour – I hate boring beige. Using bold colours to evoke a particular mood or feeling gives me huge satisfaction. I have also always been drawn to making circles in my work, with all the normal connotations that goes with them, seasonality, the circle of life etc., but it was COVID and all the air kissing and hugging which made me realise that for me the real meaning of circles is that they feel like hugs – which we all need. In my world, colour is not just a visual sensation, it resonates with my soul.

Can you tell us about your latest work? Where did you find inspiration and what is the story behind it?

Recently, I have been working on two series at the same time. I normally work in series of nine pieces, and with these two it was no different. The first series was inspired by the colours of Monet’s water garden; the soft blues, greens and pinks with a hint of yellow feel calm and peaceful to me. This series is called The Gentle Series. The second series was inspired by a tryptich I saw recently displayed at BobCat Gallery in Putney – I’ve used greys, blues and purples along with a hit of yellow and orange, which is a combination I hadn’t put together before but has worked well.

Are there any exhibitions or events you are planning in near future?

Currently I am part of the Art Below exhibition through Ad Lib gallery – artworks are made into posters and displayed on the underground for at least two weeks, with the original artwork becoming part of an exhibition in their gallery in Wimbledon for two weeks as well. I also have a selection of work available at BobCat Gallery at the Putney Exchange Shopping Centre.

I am also going to be showing a number of pieces in a gallery in Guildford for a period of three weeks during November. I am taking December off this year but have organised an exhibition in February with a group of artists I work with, which will be held at Denbies vineyard in Dorking at the end of the month.

What is the best advice you’ve been given as an artist?

Make art which satisfies your soul and not what I think the world wants to see. If I am offered a commission for something different, I will only take it if it is something I really want to explore – for instance, I produced a 3.5m x 1.5m painting (the largest I have ever worked on) of the river Thames from above in just orange and blue; using different tones of the two colours to create interest was difficult but hugely fulfilling. And the client loved it!

To find out more please visit Alison’s website: alisongsaunders.co.uk

Follow Alison on Instagram: @alisongsaunders

DISCOVER ANOTHER ARTIST STORY HERE.