I've been painting a lot of happy works on paper after being inspired by going to 2 of my brothers weddings in 1 week! Flowers are pure joy and both ceremonies were full of love, so when I returned to the studio I transferred that happy and loving energy into some new watercolour paintings and oh it feels good to make happy joyful art.

Helen Frankenthaler 'Celebration Bouquet'1962–1962

Whilst creating these paintings, I remebered two paintings in particular, Matisse 'Joy of Life' and Helen Frankenfahler 'Celebration Bouquet'. It is the sentiment and emotion behind these paintings, a joyful energy which stayed with me in the back of my mind whilst painting.

Henri Matisse Study for the 'Joy of Life' 1905

And so out poured happy watercolour paintings, I'm loving the energy and colour of these new pieces. When I painting the abstract paintings (below) there is a hunger to get all the colours down, to not 'forget' the colour combinations going through my mind visually. As I go back in time and extend the moment of looking at the flowers; fragments from all the flowers given in love come to the surface. Flowers at births, weddings, deaths, these tones sit in these free, spontaneous bursts of colours. Each painting tells a story, a familiar knowing, a glimpse of a memory ; of love and joy.

'Joy is Love' watercolour on paper, by Laura Gee

'Bursts of Joy' watercolour on paper, by Laura Gee

The colour studies are a way for me to get into the story of the new series, the colours used here feel nostalgic, slightly clashing, large contrast, homely. I'm excited to show the rest of this series and hope they bring joy and happiness to you. If you are interested in seeing the series & being notified what is available please join here...

Joyful Art

Exhibition at Bankside Gallery x Royal Watercolour Society

Watercolour on paper