Bio
Charlotte Houlihan is an expressive figurative painter whose work is defined by playful exploration of colour and lusciousness of paint. She is a mother to two children in a neurodiverse household where she juggles her roles as artist, tutor and primary carer. People, the figure and human nature are important themes. Her work has been longlisted for the Jacksons Painting Prize, RWA and included in The New English Art Club annual exhibitions. She is a member of Oxford Art Society.
Artists Statement
A large part of what compels me to paint is exploring my understanding of humanity and where I fit within it. I tend to paint what interests me. It’s a deeply selfish process. I need to feel a connection of sorts to a subject. I try to follow my instincts and let the work lead me, working spontaneously, enjoying the movement of the paint so that mistakes become part of the story. I love the process of translating three dimensions to two and the truths that arise from making those observations. I am fascinated by people - painting is as much about understanding human expression and interaction as anything else. Working from life has always been important, there’s a tension you can feel while you’re painting and I enjoy losing myself in the unpredictability of a painting put together in the moment. However, I hate my work to stand still, and as it has evolved so has my process. My sketchbook is my companion to all my classes and is filled with quick studies of the model, my students and family. From these small beginnings collages and paintings evolve and I lose myself translating drawing into collage and paint, each step moving me a little further from reality and into the unknown. A place that is uncomfortable and exciting in equal measure.
AWARDS & PRizes
New English Art Club First Prize Scholarship 2024 - 2025
The Val Harris Prize for The Gentlemen’s Art Club at the New English Art Club annual exhibition 2024
SELECTED SHOWS
2024: Winter Show, Linden Hall Studios, Deal, Kent
2024: Selected Artists, Rona Painting Gallery, Oxford
2024: ING Discerning Eye, Mall Galleries, London
2024: Slay Hay Life, The Chair, Hay on Wye
2024: Drawing People Drawing, Solo Show, Rona Painting Gallery, Oxford
2024: New English Art Club Open, Mall Galleries, London
2024: A Room of One’s Own, Irving Gallery, Oxford
2023: Winter Show, Linden Hall Studios, Deal, Kent
2023: New English Art Club Open, Mall Galleries, London
2023: Small & Mighty, Ladies Drawing Club (online)
2023: Useful Drawings, Eye to Pencil, 26 Exmouth Market, London
2023: Oxford Art Society Members Exhibition, Kendrew Barn Gallery, Oxford
2023: For Women by Women, Rona Painting Gallery, Oxford
2023: Royal Cambrian Open, Conwy
2022: New English Art Club Open, Mall Galleries, London
2022: Oxfordshire Artweeks Open Studios with Yvette Phillips and Eleanor Wong
2022: Oxford Art Society Members Exhibition, Kendrew Barn Gallery, Oxford
2022: For Women by Women, Rona Painting Gallery, Oxford
2021: Oxfordshire Artweeks Open Studios with Yvette Phillips and Eleanor Wong
2020: New English Art Club Open, Mall Galleries, London
2020: Bath Society of Artists Open, Victoria Art Gallery, Bath (online)
2020: Oxford Art Society Open Exhibition, (online)
2020: Oxfordshire Artweeks Open Studios with Yvette Phillips and Eleanor Wong (online)
2019: Oxford Art Society Open Exhibition, Cloister Gallery, St John’s Oxford
2019: Oxfordshire Artweeks Open Studios with Yvette Phillips and Eleanor Wong
EDUCATION 1997 - 2000: BA (Hons) Furniture and Related Product Design, Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication
Tutor at Sunningwell School of Art, Charleston House and various private classes. Longlisted for the 2022 Jackson’s Painting Prize and the 2023 Women in Art Prize. Member of Oxford Art Society.
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