The ever-changing skies across Morecambe Bay are the inspiration behind Christine Leadbetter's work, as she tells Barbara Waite
Morecambe-born Christine Leadbetter loves the drama of the Bay and that’s reflected in this vigorous and vibrant interpretation of the changing scene.
As she says: ‘We may not get much snow, but we always know when it has fallen in the Lakes as it provides us with spectacular views. The Bay, with dramatic lighting, transient tides and shining mudflats, is exciting and leads me to use colour and brushwork with energy and passion.’
Christine was one of the final students to take an arts foundation course at the Storey Institute in Lancaster before leaving to study Fine Art in Liverpool. Having diversified into a career in commercial interior design and other businesses, she is now creating her semi-abstract seascapes full time.
In this oil painting – Across the Bay – she has scraped through the paint with the end of the brush to give texture and line. She adds: ‘After the very first brush stroke each painting takes on a life of its own and its conclusion is always a surprise.’
Currently living in Lancaster, she is shortly to move to Bolton-le-Sands where the big skies, shore, light and canal will give her a lifetime of inspiration on her doorstep.
You can see more of Christine’s work on her website christineleadbetter.com and she is also represented by the Ascot Gallery in Ribchester.
