Louise Bradley

Louise Bradley explores drawing, printmaking and painting as well as digital media. She works initially directly from life, focusing on line, structure, emotion and symbolism to create a powerful presence of the subject, whether it is a portrait, figure or still life. Recent work has been developed by making automatic drawings which are drawings made without looking at the drawn surface, often with the paper stuck on the underside of a table. This enables a return to a state of innocence and a sense of intimacy about what is drawn, as well as a condensation resulting in a representation of the essence of the subject. Lines represent the movement of the eyes, the eyes trace the contour of the subject like the fingers. Paintings are then made using the drawings in much the same way: without looking at the painting when making marks, which are then developed. Subjects are chosen for their organic sensual qualities. Screenprints made at Northern Print use drawn and papercut images to form new compositions. Artist in education: Louise's expertise is in enabling the development of skills in drawing, painting, printmaking and collage, looking at imagery, expression, symbolism and mark-making, as well as traditional and experimental drawing skills and techniques, with an emphasis on exploration and enjoyment. Employers BALTIC, The Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead as Freelance Artist (Learning); Artichoke for Lumiere Festival, Durham 2011; Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle; Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art, Sunderland as Freelance Artist (Learning/Education); Action for Children for Tate Britain and the Royal Academy exhibitions as well as Sanctuary project 2012; Newcastle and Gateshead Councils Arts Development Teams; The Forge; as well as many schools, community groups and diverse and exciting projects and festivals.