Biography
Hola! I’m Lucy! I’m an English artist and educator and I’m obsessed with all things vibrant and tropical. I live in Shrewsbury, and I love the juxtaposition of the exotic against this quintessentially British rural landscape with rolling hills and ancient hill forts - so hence the name - SHROPSHIRE TROPICALIA!
I have lived and travelled extensively in South and Central America - particularly Peru and Mexico - and this has fuelled my energetic love of life and bright, vibrant colour palette. My work is all about finding beauty, hope and joy in the everyday; juicy fruit, verdant plants, kitsch packaging, wild patterns - everything that is colourful and full of life. Food and drink and the sensual experience are recurring themes in my painting. All the senses sight, touch, taste, smell and sound come into my work in various forms: the bright yellow of urgent lemons, the texture of skin, peel and fur; traditional woven fabrics collected from travels, heady cocktails, books and vinyl records.
The genre of symbolic still life or vanitas is my go-to subject, but I also love to paint house, pet or people portraits and landscapes en plein air and regularly take on personal commissions that bring joy to their owners, preserving treasured memories and heirlooms in a unique bespoke painting.
My paintings often include samples of interesting typography and text, and I like to give them titles rich in imagery - I think this comes from my father (Poet Richard Caddel) and I see this as useful way to multiply meaning and add depth to the work.
I paint in all mediums but I prefer to use gouache and acrylics for speed and intensity of colour. I eat fast and I paint fast. My work is constantly evolving, but at the moment i’m really enjoying experimenting with watercolours, layering translucent, prismatic veils of colour to create luminosity and depth. ‘Life is art. Art is life. I never separate it’ Paul Cézanne
EXPERIENCE:
BA HONOURS FINE ART UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
PGCE GOLDSMITHS, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON
ART EDUCATOR 2007-PRESENT
EXHIBITED AT:
BROADWAY ARTS FESTIVAL FINALIST 2024
WARRINGTON ARTS FESTIVAL OPEN FINALIST 2024
GLOUGLOU - SOLO SHOW 2024
TY PAWB - 2022
MOMA MACHYNLLETH - 2023
QUBE -2024
SMAG - 2022, 2024
MRS JONES ARTSHOP 2022
FOOTPRINT GALLERY, IRONBRIDGE 2024
FAQs
-
Yes of course! Check out the commissions tab of the available paintings menu. Please also DM for details on more complex painting but fruit, plant, packaging, objects (vanitas), house, pet, and human portraits are all in my wheelhouse.
-
Depending on the size of the commission and the materials used it varies - check out my store for examples and DM to discuss.
-
Yes of course - this would be an additional cost depending on individual country and taxes. Email or DM to discuss directly. However, overseas returns would not be possible.
-
Tray framing in range of exciting colours and widths can really enhance my acrylic paintings and is available on request - DM for more info. Gouache paintings can be easily framed also - I’m happy to supply or advise. Some products listed on my website are already framed - please check the item description carefully!
-
For an original painting over £600 you are welcome to buy in 3 stages. As the value of my work grows this can be a helpful option. A 50% deposit is payable to reserve your painting. The balance can be paid the following month or in 2 monthly payments of 25% each. Do get in touch if you're interested in arranging this. This is not a credit scheme but an arrangement on trust at no extra cost to you. Shipping and returns policies apply as usual
-
Original paintings will be packed and shipped within 5 working days. For UK destinations I use Royal Mail, Parcel Force or Hermes for delivery depending on size and weight. Most UK deliveries should arrive within 2 days from shipping tie. So allow 7 working days in total. Get in touch if you need your artwork to arrive by a certain date.
-
Yes! You are welcome to join me in the gallery and studio to pick up your artwork.