Angela Sunley Artist
I am an artist living in Staffordshire, UK. My love of the outdoors developed from many holidays full of exploration and travel as a child. Before going on to study geology at the University of Birmingham, working as a park ranger in Arches NP Utah (where my fascination with geology had begun as a nine year old) and sharing my passion as a teacher of geography. This love is reflected strongly in my work which is influenced by landscapes and the colours of nature.
As a self taught artist, I have developed my style and technique over many years but especially with the time to dedicate to it since beginning Angela Sunley Artist in 2018.
Having been inspired by the works of Monet and Cézanne as a teenager, art always provided a great escape and source of calm. I was drawn in by the way their art not only captured the view but the feelings such as the dry heat of the day or the calm waters, even being able to imagine the smells. To feel that you were there and enveloped within the painting. Their works provided a freedom of expression that resonates with me to this day. To be fortunate enough to sit in l’Orangerie museum in the Tuileries Gardens in Paris, surrounded by Monet’s waterlilies was an experience never to be forgotten.
I started painting for fun and had many years ago gifted paintings to family and friends. It felt a great way to give something personal and that I had created.
I had to take some time out due to my mental health, a period of trauma left me unable to continue at work. At a total loss of what to do with myself, I rediscovered my paints and set out to do some painting. I started small - a 26x30 inch canvas board!! But then I started to do paintings again for family and friends. The love of painting came back and was the therapy I didn’t know I had needed.
A couple of years later I approached Angela Burman who runs Bespoke in Lichfield about selling some of my pieces (I was gathering a little collection by now) and she took me in, supported me to explore, and provided opportunities for me to grow. I don’t know what gave me the confidence to contact her that day but it was the beginning of a new adventure and the start of many paintings including Lichfield Cathedral.
Since painting full time, I have discovered a real sense of mindfulness. Every walk with my dog, is an opportunity to spot a view that I could capture in paint. My paintings become journeys and I hope capture the feelings and emotion of a place. I’ve decided I’m going to paint what I love and I have become much braver with creating new surfaces to work on, different ways to present my work. My most favourite subject is always the coast and the sea, my happy place.
I paint in acrylics and on a range of surfaces. I have been fortunate to be asked to complete a range of commissions, which is always an honour, produced artwork varying from landscapes to portraits. To be asked to capture something that means so much, is a real privilege. I have had work in a number of national exhibitions and I was also a winner of Theo Paphitis’ Small Business Sunday award.
When I’m not painting, I’m likely to be out walking with my husband and dog, getting coastal time in whenever possible, spending time with family and friends, wearing my favourite dungarees and watching pro cycling especially the Tour de France. I love to travel and explore and have a few things/places on my wish list. One of my dreams is to rent a camper van and head off on an adventure.
As you look through the site, hopefully you will be able to see that my collection of work has been inspired by my travels whether it be the dramatic skies of the Outer Hebrides to the turquoise seas of Cornwall. Also the varied landscapes of North Yorkshire, Teesside, Staffordshire, Worcestershire, Southwest USA and Mauritius, places that for one reason or another I call home.
I hope you enjoy sharing the journey!
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