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Lucy enjoys the sculptural processes that reveal thought and expression through exploration, clay being a great way to connect with the materials and her ideas. Drawing in it’s own right begins a journey starting with observation, and painting is another opportunity to observe the beauty of Nature around us.

 

Coming from a sculptural perspective Lucy’s painting responds to the three dimensional physicality of life. Lucy mostly paints directly from life en plein air to capture the dynamic subjects; dramatic seas or calm coves, ever changing light and energy.  Directional mark-making in the paint texture, layering rich colours to create depth in the space, geological forms and translucency in water. Light, space and gesture starts to become emotive and atmospheric.

 

Lucy has been living permanently in Cornwall for a few years, a place she visited every year since childhood.  She feels a particular affinity with the Penwith landscape, which is a strong source of inspiration. Her ancestors trace back to Perranuthnoe around 1600, and later became part of Mousehole’s life. Lucy enjoys exploring different areas of Cornwall.

 

Married in 2006 Lucy and her husband have bought an Italian ruin called Rimondato in Umbria and are restoring it to create an artist’s retreat.  This is a huge passion for both of them, they have created a space for students to come and learn as well as begin to make their own work and sculptures.

 

 

Teaching

Course coordinating and lecturer, tutor at:

Norton Radstock College of Art and Design 2004-06

The Henley College of Art and Design 2001-2005

 

Art Residency at St. Mary’s Girl’s School 2000-01

MA Sculpture   Winchester School of Art 1999-2000

BA Fine Art      Surrey Institute of Art and Design 1992-95

Foundation     Chelsea School of Art    1991-92

Lucy Toop