Nina Murdoch - Sophia il vento
Soft pastel and watercolour on panel, 94 x 75 cm
“It took a day or two to adjust from cold, dark rainy England to the intense colours and light and the overwhelmingly beautiful lake and mountains. I unexpectedly found my inspiration while waiting for a ferry; I happened to notice some steps down to the water’s edge from the pavement opposite the Anglican Church of the Ascension, to a disused underground boathouse. I paddled inside where in the darkness, sunlight was cast on the water and walls, mountains and water reflected through the small window apertures.
I went back on my own early one morning and visited the church at the same time, the light reflected on the walls creating arches of golden shadows and a sense of calm and stillness away from the busy street. Over the road, again, the boathouse had a similar light and stillness, a connection of time and place to the church.
I made studies from both and I’m working on two large paintings for the London show. The memories of the light and colours of Lake Como, fragments of wonderful conversations and the Bilacus choir will all be a part of the paintings.”
Nina Murdoch
About the Artist
Nina Murdoch is a painter (Slade and then RA), working mostly on gesso panels with egg tempera; although in the last few years she has increasingly used a combination of pastels and watercolour.
Her work is held in the collections of the David Roberts Art Foundation and Hiscox PLC amongst others. Winner of the inaugural Threadneedle Art Prize as well as the ING Discerning Eye Purchase Prize. Nina has displayed solo shows at Marlborough Fine Art, London, and Fine Art Society.