My Heart Dances in this Place

Meadows and trees, and the riot of colour they create through the changing seasons, surround Yvonne Coomber’s Devon studio and are the subject of much, though not all, of her work.

“My paintings are inspired by the gentle hills and tumbling, spilling, flowers that sing outside my studio, nestled deep in the folds of Devon.”

Her blazing palette, with its hot and vibrant hues, is inspired by the many journeys she has made—to the Middle East, Australia, Africa and Europe. She almost always works outside, so howling gales, gentle breezes, lacy ice and scorching sunshine influence her work.

“The weather, in a very direct way, dictates how and where the paint falls. The creation of each piece is a physically demanding process, an energetic dance around the canvas that is full of raw emotion and passion.”

“Painting for me is a love affair. I work intuitively, allowing the image to emerge and unravel.

Applying layer upon layer of oils, inks, glosses, glazes, glitter and gold leaf using paintbrushes, sponges, rags, palette knives and even her fingers, she produces paintings that are kaleidoscopes of pattern and colour, and show nature at its most radiant.