Tracy Love

As a painter of portraits, landscapes & still life (people, places and things) my work naturally encompasses a rich variety of subject matters and mediums.  I primarily use water-based mediums which  offer a high degree of control whilst remaining unpredictable.

In drafting my compositions, particularly landscapes, I aim to create immersive experiences for the viewer. These works often feature the interplay between man-made structures and nature where the inherent softness of watercolour contrasts well with the harsher edges of urban landscapes. And by focussing on intricate details, rich vibrant colours and exaggerated perspectives, I invite viewers to step into the scene so they feel as if they have been transported.

For my still life paintings, folded fabrics are a key feature, as well as bold saturated colour combinations married with dynamic forms and subjects still rooted in realism.  My aim is to paint stories of everyday moments teased out of our surroundings. 

As a self-taught artist, I rely heavily on an intuitive approach reacting to what the painting may need.   I typically work inside my studio using hundreds of photographs I've taken which are edited and merged to develop the composition.   After deciding the colour palette I make a quick test painting to work out technique or style.  On a detailed drawing, I paint in sections using a layered approach,  building the image up slowly.   

Originally from Jamaica, I emigrated to the United States as a pre-teen where I earned a Master of Science degree in Geology.  During my 30-year career as a geologist, I re-located to the United Kingdom and about 5 years ago, I transitioned from the energy sector and am now embarking on a second career - hence the name "Obsidian Lime", a nod to the path that has brought me to this point in time. 

Thank you for visiting my website and I hope you've enjoyed viewing the paintings.  Please enquire if you have any questions.