Celia Wilkinson Painting the fish and the landscape on the Isle of Wight

Originally from Bristol, Celia Wilkinson studied for her B.A.Hons at Central St Martins between 1985 and 1989. She moved from London to the Isle of Wight in 2001 and spent 12 years devoted to painting only fish. Initially dead fish… but then, slowly,  the movement developed.

Elements of pattern crept into Celia’s work.

Along with the movement came colour too.

And still the fish swam freely around in her canvasses.

Pattern combined with colour to produce wonderful vivid pools of layered, spiralling fishes.

This beautiful Heron, for me, marks the end of Celia’s fish period and the start of Celia’s move into a new area… landscapes. Some of the spiralling elements move along with her work too.

Celia says ‘ I live on the south side of the Isle of Wight, where the landscape is still very unspoilt and rugged, almost prehistoric. I am particularly drawn to the winter landscape with its harsh lines and a sense of being against the elements.’ There’s a beautiful fresh, crispness here. An icy portrayal of the countryside as it stretches before us.

Sometimes the seasons warm in her work and we are treated to beautiful fields of yellow rape seed, orange barley or red poppies.

I feel Celia has found her true calling and it was fascinating seeing the journey through her work to where she is today. Thanks to Celia for contributing to this blogpost and also to the British Women Artists site for some of their images of Celia’s work. If you enjoyed this post you and if you;re new to my site, you may also like these posts on Michael Morgan and George Birrell.