I am self taught but have also had the opportunity of having group and private tuition from Jenny Mitchell of Montsalvat and Walter Magilton from Warrandyte, both well known artist and much admired. Art is in my genes. Creativity is heritable
Being European and self taught, I could be classified as a ‘Naïve Artiste ‘ a common expression used in Europe which is often given to a self taught artist. I also was given that name by my French friends when I was living in Nice. It is certainly not a derogatory expression but it celebrates the perspective of an artist and rejects the insincere sophistication that is upheld as a core value within more traditional forms of art. To be a self taught artist especially in Europe is unique. Henry Rousseau being one of those well known ‘Naïve Artists’.
Art has always been a big part of my life as my father was also an artist. I am a descendant of the famous well known Flemish/Dutch artist Jan van Eyck, a heritage I am very proud of. Having been surrounded by artists and photographers all of my life has inspired me to be creative and original. It is never to late to pick up a brush and make art, inspiration comes from within.
I also have a passion for Suprematism and Cubism art, I love the works of Kandinsky, Kazimir Malevich, Mondrian and De Kooning. I have visited many museums all over the world and was especially excited to see the works of Kazimir Malevich at the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, absolutely amazing!!!
I love abstract art and painting in bright colours, I therefore make up and mix a lot of my own colour schemes. Bright colours attract attention, they stand out from their surroundings.Colours can make us feel happy or sad, a typical psychological effect, I therefore find it somewhat difficult to paint in dark gloomy muted colour tones. (Even though sometimes I do!)
Strong, bright colours can have a powerful effect on emotions. I paint what I feel and see, it is all in my head,
As Vincent Van Gogh once said ‘I want to paint what I feel and feel what I paint’ Another famous expression of his ‘Let the colours do the talking’
I actually named one of my artworks just that!!!
Ria Tims
ALL MY ARTWORKS ARE RECORDED BY THE NATIONAL REGISTRY OF AUSTRALIAN ARTISTS. THEY ALL HAVE THEIR OWN INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATION NUMBER.
I am the recipient of a number of Art Awards within the last 5 years.