Hello, my name is Vanessa and I’m a visual artist based on the South East Coast of England.

After studying at Chelsea College of Art London in the late 80’s, I worked as a photographer. At the same time I taught myself how to paint with oil paint. My work is described as Abstract Expressionist. I draw my inspiration from the sea, the movement of water and the abundant nature I am surrounded by here on the coast. Photography plays an important role when I embark on a new painting, providing me with a tool to help with composition and light.

My process starts with colour, and from there I create texture by applying plaster to my canvas with a palette knife. This texture also helps me form the composition. I use oil paint and mixed media to create the layers and build the texture.

I had my first solo show in 2003, ‘The Dominating Factor’. I exhibited twenty paintings and drawings, all of which marked several important milestones in my life. For me, painting is a way to express and learn from my experiences, almost providing me with a catalogue of my past.

In 2006 I curated (and exhibited in) the first ever Vodafone Limited Art Exhibition in Newbury, Berkshire. This event was a lot of fun and hard work to put together. A large number of pieces sold, and a donation from each sale was made to the charity, Youth Net. I was honoured to receive a nomination for a Community Award from the charity. During the same year I was commissioned by Vodafone to draw a ‘Vodafone Corporate Dream Board’ after attending a workshop with the Corporate Sales Team.

In 2007 I launched the Vanessa Perry Gallery, my online gallery, and in 2019 I launched this website, where I showcase and sell my photographs.

My paintings have been shown at the Great Northern Art Show in Harrogate and the Affordable Art Fair in Bristol. Many of my clients like my work in Giclee prints, including my photographic collections.

As 2025 begins, I’m looking forward to participating in a couple of mixed shows this year, which I’ll post about in due course. I’m currently working on a new collection entitled ‘Sea Scripts’.