Collection: Bess Harding

I’ve always had a yearning to paint pictures, but for many years tried without success to produce a painting I was happy with. But then I discovered oil paints and immediately felt that this was it - this was painting. I always feel a sense of wonder when light and shadow combine to create something just realistic enough. I like the idea of taking a flower or an object out of its everyday environment, giving it space to breathe and a little stage to sit quietly on so that it can be considered. I seek to capture the calm grace and stillness of certain objects. And sometimes there might be an element of humour: a little interaction between objects; an unexpected juxtaposition.

My proudest moment has undoubtedly been being accepted into the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition (twice!)