How would you define Chloë Lamb’s artworks in style whilst viewing this blog article?

Abstract, surreal, bright, simplified(?), fascinating, emotionally communicative and happy. At least that’s how I see her work.

The first thought I had seeing Chloë’s work was about my now-teenage niece. There is clearly a childlike innocence in the way Chloë has chosen to paint. To this day I have kept some artworks by my niece which I regularly encouraged her to make through her earliest schooling years. Possibly even one or two prior to her starting school.

Therefore the work of Chloë Lamb was instantly emotive to me personally. Most paint artists experiment with abstract ideas, including the use of simplified forms. People, objects, animals etc.

Incredibly I often see artists whom on one side of their artworking paint a superb impressionistic portrait.. then abandon all classical-era derived interest to continue their art careers in seemingly childlike artistic endeavours.

These artists are, in my view, the empaths of the professional art world. They’re much more invigorated by how things make them feel rather than how ‘things’ might accurately be portrayed upon the canvas. For the latter genre of art we have the ever-impressive Realists.

If we take a close look at “Path to somewhere I want to go” shown above, professional art techniques are without question. Careful layering of tones, fine choice of brush strokes, textures, colour grading, compositional contrasts with glazing effects to bring a dreamy quality to the canvas.

I could see this path to somewhere happily existing in a computer game with fairies floating about and sheep walking on air.

A Lewis Carroll sort of world.

“Composition 2023 III” delivers to us Mark Rothko-like abstract colour-field elements. A painting asking questions of the entire picture. It’s fun whenever an artist wants us to embark on their visual journey. To appreciate this level of thought process one needs to sit and think. 

I am very interested to know how this painting makes readers feel. I think of food, bold ideas generally speaking and branding! Not certain why my thoughts turn to commercial branding. Possibly since I can see definitive lines within the artwork.

Seeing is believing they say. Nothing is like physically seeing artworks for yourself. That is why we have museums and art galleries. 

To immerse your soul, feed the brain and lift your spirit.

The textures in “Composition 2023 III” are a tantalising sensual mix, would you agree? 

Born in Wiltshire, living and working in Hampshire UK, Chloë professionally studied at Heatherly School of Fine Art. Then afterwards at the Lydgate Art Research Center prior to settling upon her abstract vision in the late 1990’s.

If “Composition 2023 III” has Rothko elements then “Solving a Puzzle” must be the Cy Twombly effect. We’re talking about art intellectuals here who let canvases air for a time before returning to rework the piece as a whole.

Most all artists wish to feel good about the quality of their work. Satisfaction in our work is an important spiritual yearning within human beings. I see a face in this one, “Solving a Puzzle”.

The scientists are somewhat at odds with the believers. However, a belief if held true must stand up to science. Science being the practical means to explain something.

Emotion is ‘felt’ in the brain yet communicated through the body. Empathic art is therefore itself the body communicating the internal thoughts of the artist. 

Consciously and subconsciously.

Just as British detective series Grantchester artily solves crimes, Chloë Lamb’s work seeks to tell a story.

“Woods II” has broadly abstract ideas appearing to show a person carrying a vessel of some kind upon their shoulder.

Obviously we might interpret this artwork as conservation, physical work or the sense of providing for the family.

It takes a tremendous amount of courage to paint the way you want to paint. Chloë has proven highly influential with her work throughout her career partly due to this very reason.

Value. My niece’s painting will always be amongst the most valuable painting to me.

Through her early drawing my niece somehow communicated her feelings just as children know how to do. 

The fact is I immediately viewed this as highly-expressive qualitative art.

Sentiment doesn’t always make sense. We buy things either because they make us feel good or we have a specific need. 

Which perfectly brings me to inviting you to click on Chloë’s social media here: Chloë Lamb – Artist to let you know her forthcoming exhibition is at the Portland Gallery on 6th to 22nd March 2024.

Chloë is represented in New York by Hollis Taggart, in Hampshire UK by Cricket Fine Art and London by Portland Gallery.

Science literally means ‘to know‘.