Coloursoup

Liz & Martin (London)

‘Crane Island towards Godrevy’, the first original painting we bought, is by the Cornish artist Robert Jones. We bought it at the Beside the Wave Gallery, Falmouth, at Easter 1991. Its drama and colour captured what we love about Cornwall. Even though it was a big leap for us to spend so much on a work of art, we knew we should buy it. The picture has moved with us to 3 houses, including one in the United States. The feeling we experienced the first time we saw it has always remained. Over the years we have acquired several more paintings by different Cornish artists and all evoke both the memories and anticipation of visits to the county.
Liz & Martin

Philip (London)

The first painting I bought was called "Old Town" by the Russian artist, Nadezhda Stupina. I love her use of vibrant coloured oils and the impasto technique which gives her paintings an almost sculptural quality. Many of her subject matters are European "old towns" and I love the combination of a very contemporary look and feel to her paintings, whilst depicting a more nostalgic and romantic subject matter.
I bought it as I had a keen interest in her work for some time, and the subject matter reminded me of some wonderful holidays exploring that region. When I discovered that this painting was available I was delighted. I think people buy art for a variety of reasons: in my case it is because I feel an instant connection with a particular picture. I just knew I loved the painting as soon as I saw it.
The painting is in our sitting room above the fireplace. Everyday that I look at it, I really have a feeling of holiday nostalgia, happiness, and I adore the rich colours which brings the whole scene to life. I love the way it is the first thing people notice when they enter the room.
I think art is one of the most important features in a house. Each painting is unique, and creates a particular mood, sense of place, and can bring out an immediate emotional response. I am looking forward to picking up more at Coloursoup!
Philip & Helen

Paddy W (London)

My wife and I have quite different tastes in art, so on the first trip to the Affordable Art Fair in Battersea we walked round and couldn't agree on anything. Finally, we decided to independently select our top 3 paintings from the show and then compare (thinking there was absolutely no way our choices would overlap). After coffee we joined back up and looked at our respective choices. The first painting I showed my wife met a resounding "no", I didn't have much success with the second either, but the third was a "no way, - that was my 1st choice". Given that her other 2 choices were complete nos from me, it seemed fate we should buy it, so we bought it. Sennon Surfers by John Brenton was our first painting. The colours and the way he captured the sea make us feel like we are in Cornwall every time we look at it and it successfully lights up a dull London day. It was 7 years ago we bought our first painting, and it has now moved around a number of rooms in our house and we have now bought a number of others, and met the artist too!
Paddy W