Bio

Olivia Howe Artist

Visual Artist

Olivia has been painting, drawing and exploring her artistic expression for more than 40 years. Her recent work is strongly influenced by the coastal landscape near her home. Her close observation and understanding of her surroundings is evident in her paintings and drawings.

The starting point for all of Olivia’s work is outside in nature. Making quick sketches, gestural marks and recording visual notes of the colours and shapes she sees. Back in her studio, using these drawn notes, she will start to construct a new image. This process can take a few minutes or weeks to complete. She loves to explore different marks and the play of paint. The shapes and colours become more simplified and abstract. Sometimes these marks create exciting new images which find their own life on the flat surface. As a result, the finished piece can be far removed from its origin. For Olivia, it is the concept of trusting in the process, rather than focusing on the result, which has been a complete game-changer for her way of working.

Olivia is a graduate of MTU Crawford College of Art & Design.

She is a Member of VAI , The Lavit Gallery and Uillinn West Cork Arts Centre.