Professional Painter's Hopes Of 'Inspiring' Creativity On Isle Of Wight

An internationally acclaimed artist on the Isle of Wight who’s ethos is to 'inspire others' wants Islanders to use the natural world as an excuse to get behind the canvas!

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Research shows how producing art promotes stress relief, reduces anxiety, bolsters your memory, enhances problem-solving skills and stimulates an optimistic attitude.

Those are just some of the benefits of taking up art - which arguably are even more important now more than ever, because of the current climate.

But self-employed artist Sophia Flowers, who lives in Newport with her husband and their dog 'Gonk' described the lockdown as "wonderful and peaceful".

She spent her time coming up with new ideas for her students, walking in Parkhurst Woods and teaching online - to people as far away as Australia.

Speaking to Isle of Wight Radio Sophia said:

“What inspires me is nature - it is all I paint. I am known for my colour and vibrancy, seascape and woodlands. I go for walks in nature and take it all in then put out all that colour onto the canvas… 

“I wish to inspire everybody and share my joy of painting. I want everyone to realise that they can do it and nothing should get in the way of that.”

Sophia’s oldest student is 94 and her youngest is 8, but she offers classes to beginners or advanced painters, large or small groups and one on one residential painting holidays.

Isle of Wight Radio's Iona has been having her own painting experience with Sophia...

One of Iona's paintings is also on display at the coffee shop in Brighstone.

What tips would you give to a first-time painter?

Sophia says you need a starting point - you might be inspired by a particular artist, find local classes or decide to paint in a particular medium and then you can make it your own.

She says you should not let the cost of materials get in the way of starting off and has lots of tips to keep it as cheap as possible.

Sophia said:

“I love it so much and I wish to inspire people. When you paint you go into a space and your own world where you relax and don’t think about anything going on. It means as much to you as it does to me to finish a painting.

“I will show you the HOW and make it my responsibility to make sure each person can absorb the information for them. One person might need an explanation, one might need to feel it and one might need it visually - there are lots of ways”

A number of Islanders did decide to get creative during the lockdown, such as university graduate Lucy Dayman who is now selling her handmade flower earrings online.

She said:

‘I love to carry out all of the different stages and see the transformation into a beautiful pair of earrings. The idea that we can take a little bit of nature with us wherever we go is something that makes all the hard work worth it!’

Scroll through photos of Islanders lockdown artwork...

• Lucy's handmade flower earrings
• Lucy's handmade flower earrings
• Lucy's handmade flower earrings
• Lucy's handmade flower earrings
• Lucy's handmade flower earrings
• Jane's printed cards
• Jane's printed cards
• Jane's printed cards
• Jane's printed cards
• Ross' handmade surfboard
• Ross' handmade surfboard
• Ross' handmade surfboard
• Ross' handmade surfboard
• Ross' handmade surfboard
• Ross' handmade surfboard
• Iona's 'Land, Sea and Sky painting
• Iona's 'Mountain Dew' painting
• Iona's 'Africa' painting

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If you got creative in lockdown and want to feature in the gallery send your picture to [email protected] 

From NOW for the next two weeks, Sophia’s offering 10% off any classes to Isle of Wight Radio listeners - you can sign up via her website here.