About me
'Memories and Impressions embedded in layers of texture and form'
Throughout her childhood in the cultural city of Leipzig, Germany, Diana’s hands were covered in glue from her fondness for arts and crafts. Her mother was a devoted crafter, her father loved to paint and her family’s creative passions left an indelible impression on Diana. Early memories of sitting with her uncle, an acclaimed sculptor, modelling delicate flower petals from clay together at the kitchen table are still held with fond affection.
Diana’s passion for creativity endured. Her travels around the world provided a longed-for release from the rigours of her fast-paced corporate routine and reignited a freedom of expression that Diana craved. On settling in the UK and starting a family, Diana once more immersed herself in arts and crafts with her two sons, inspired – as she was as a child – by the organic beauty of nature. The kitchen table always arranged within a fruit bowl, cut flowers dotted around the rooms, bringing the comforting feeling of nature's offerings into the home.
Colourful botanical works invite the viewer into Diana's garden, showing intense reds, lush greens and vivid pinks appearing in almost all paintings. The works feature cut-paper japanese collage, giving the surface a translucency of the colours similar to light filtering through flower petals whilst adding layers of texture. Botanicals are rendered simplistically rather than capturing their defined features.
Based at her studio in between Henley-on-Thames and Marlow and inspired by the countryside and nature around her home. Intuitive, bold strokes, fine marks and textural layers, as well as a strong focus on collage are central to Diana’s collections.
Diana’s works are available to purchase at Birdie Fortescue, MYLO Art, as well as The Willard Gallery in Maine, USA. Diana is delighted to discuss commissions and creative collaborations.
Diana Forbes
b. Leipzig, 1985
Exhibitions
Modern Muse Art, Summer Group Show, Online Exhibition, August 2021
Nadia Waterfield Fine Art, The Autumn Hampshire Art Show, Stockbridge October 2021
The Art Buyer, Winter Show, London November 2021
The Hampshire Medical Fund Art Show, Winchester, October 2022
MYLO Art, Summer Show, June 2023
Art for Charity Collective Summer Show, June 2023
UCLH Street Gallery London, Down the Garden Path Charity Exhibiton November 2023
Press
Gardens Illustrated 2019
Red Magazine 2021
House and Garden 2022
World of Interiors 2023