As soon as I saw Mitzie Green’s paintings of various places around the world, I knew I wanted to share them with you guys on Wanderarti. I was (and still am) completely blown away and amazed by the vibrant use of colour and the rough texture of each piece. The places Mitzie paints, such as Havana and Italy, have that rustic feel to them that is well and truly emanated in this style. Enjoy!
Your paintings have a very colourful, textured style. How did this develop?
I have always been inspired by the Fauves and Abstract Expressionists and in particular Emil Nolde who used strong colours in a very free flowing way. I want a painting to make a statement. I like a textural feel as texture adds a heightened sense of awareness, which has always been important to me.
San Gimi
Let’s talk about process. What steps do you take when creating each piece?
These days I don’t sketch on site very often. Photography has taken over and I take hundreds of photographs that I can study later at leisure and choose the right aspect, often combining images.
Havana
What inspires your work?
I’m inspired by the world around me, often when travelling but just as often by a walk in the country. I am a keen gardener, and flowers, landscape and trees provide an endless source of inspiration. Flowers in particular give pleasure and are a symbol of sharing love and profusion and drive me to loosen up and explore new ways of working.
It’s obvious you have travelled quite a lot. Where has been your favourite place to paint and why?
My husband worked for the railways, so we have moved house quite a lot and travelled a great deal both in this country and abroad and have been overseas many times. I have more than one favourite place, but top of the list are Honfleur, Rome, Annecy, Bastia and Calvi. Bastia has an amazing harbour, run down but very beautiful, with endless possibilities and tiny buildings squashed in, providing endless attractions. I love them for their liveliness, hickledy-pickledy houses, narrow lanes, rooftops and vibrancy. They are mostly near the sea except for Annecy next to a big lake and river, which provides extra focal points.
Calvi
What do you hope each piece says about the place it depicts?
I come from a rather exacting background and instead of making a copy of a place, I’m using my subject as a way to free up. Art is after all a personal development.
Piazza della Rotonda
How do you think travel has inspired your work?
Travelling is great for inspiration because it opens my eyes to vistas.
Annecy
Finally, if you could paint anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Calvi. A historic town perched on top of the hill, it overlooks the harbour which is brimming with life, boats and cafes. Corsica is such an underrated island as well as relaxing and beautiful.
You can see more of Mitzie’s work on her site.
What do you like about Mitzie’s work? I’m a big fan of colour and texture, are you?
Finally… Musement, a site offering museum tickets, art tours, and cultural activities has kindly let Wanderarti readers get €5 off purchases up until the 31st July. Just use the code WANDERARTI and you can get discounted offers all over Europe!
