Celebrating a Bold Return for International Women’s Day
In celebration of International Women's Day, we're delighted to reintroduce you to one of Britain's most vibrant artistic voices – Louise Dear. Her bold, feminine compositions have captivated collectors worldwide, from Sir Elton John to the owners of Harrods. Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of this extraordinary woman whose life experiences infuse every brushstroke with passion, adventure and joie de vivre.
A Life Painted in Bold Strokes
Louise Dear's story begins in Hampshire, where she was born to an artistic mother and naval officer father. Those early years set the foundation for what would become a life defined by creative exploration and adventure. While most young artists might begin their journey with formal training alone, Louise's education came as much from the world itself as from her time at Medway College of Art & Design.
At just 21, she made a decision that would define her artistic perspective forever – purchasing a 1963 Bedford ambulance, painting it 'honey pink', and setting off to see the world. It was a bold choice, particularly for a young woman in that era, but one that reveals the fearless spirit that continues to characterise both her life and her work.
What began as a "short trip" to India in the mid-80s evolved into a seven-year odyssey throughout South East Asia. Louise immersed herself in cultures vibrant with colour, pattern and spiritual significance – elements that would later become defining characteristics of her work. This transformative period didn't conclude until she reached Darwin, Northern Australia, eventually settling in Sydney where she worked as an Exhibition Designer for Lego Australia.
Upon returning to England in 1993, Louise welcomed her daughter Lama – whom she describes as "her greatest creation" and enduring muse. This profound connection between mother and daughter appears throughout Louise's oeuvre, celebrating feminine beauty and the powerful bonds between women across generations
“My spirits soar with the sound of a crashing wave, the caress of the sun on bare flesh, the budding of a bloom, the rustle of bamboo, the chirp of cicadas, the delicious smell of my warm lover snuggled next to me. The expression of these delicious sensations, the sensuality of pure 'being' and sheer ''joie de vivre are my inspiration. The divine exuberance I feel of simply being a woman, of being alive are what I portray and wish to share with my viewer”
A Special Relationship: Louise Dear & Wyecliffe
Our relationship with Louise Dear spans over a decade, a creative partnership built on mutual respect and a sharedpassion for bringing extraordinary art to discerning collectors. As Louise enters this exciting new chapter, we are honoured to announce that her first major collection of originals on metal in nearly three years will be exclusively available through Wyecliffe Galleries.
This exclusive collection marks an important milestone in Louise's artistic journey, showcasing how her recent French immersion has influenced and evolved her distinctive style. The vibrant new works capture the luminous Mediterranean light and renewed creative energy that have defined her recent years.
Alongside these significant original pieces, Louise has created stunning new paper editions that continue her exploration of feminine power and sensual beauty through her signature multi-layered approach.
For our collectors, this represents a rare opportunity to acquire fresh works from one of Britain's most distinctive contemporary voices – pieces that reflect both the consistency of her artistic vision and the evolution of her technique and perspective.
Mediterranean Light: The French Renaissance
When Louise and her partner Craig rented a winter apartment in a quintessential French village several years ago, they could never have anticipated how completely this new environment would transform their lives. What began as a temporary escape from English winter took an unexpected turn as Spring approached. As they prepared for their return home, the pandemic hit and the world closed down. They had no choice but to stay put.
Rather than viewing this enforced stay as a limitation, Louise embraced the unexpected gift. She quickly ordered what materials she could before supply chains shut down, converted a spare room into a makeshift studio, and thoroughly enjoyed the peace and solitude of lockdown. This period allowed her time to pause and totally absorb herself in the creative process.
Louise's Lockdown Studio In France
"Surrounded by salt lakes and the Mediterranean Sea, the play of light was exquisite," she shares. "Never had I experienced such magnificent displays of sunlight on water." Each day, compelled to rise before dawn, she would explore the permitted 1km boundary of her new home, drinking in the myriad of delicious colours to later render in paint.
As life as they knew it had changed, and having completely succumbed to the delights of this little bit of paradise, when the small house next door came up for sale, they grabbed it. After extensive renovation, the ground floor now serves as Louise's permanent studio – a space where her newest works have been born, influenced by the luminous Mediterranean landscape and the measured pace of French village life.
“Swimming is my meditation; it calms my spirit and relaxes my mind and mood”
This creative sanctuary has shaped not only her work but her daily rhythms. Rising before dawn, she begins each day cycling through the hills to witness sunrise over the Mediterranean, followed by yoga or swimming in a mountain lake. By mid-morning, she's in the studio – paint-splattered overalls on, music playing, and coffee in hand. Working on multiple pieces simultaneously as layers dry, she moves between them based on mood and energy level, often working late into the evening with a characteristic blend of discipline and joy.
“Surrounded by salt lakes and the Mediterranean Sea, the play of light was exquisite...Never had I experienced such magnificent displays of sunlight on water.”
The Alchemy of Beauty: Creating the Unmistakable
Louise Dear's paintings are instantly recognisable – sumptuous celebrations of feminine power, beauty and sensuality. Her signature technique involves working on large aluminium panels, building intricate layers of media that include inks, dyes, acrylics, oils, gold leaf, glitters and even Swarovski crystals.
Her process begins with chaos – throwing, rubbing, pouring and dripping materials onto the surface, allowing them to interact organically. This initial abstract landscape then becomes the foundation for meticulously rendered figures and blossoming bouquets. The resulting works balance precision with unbridled creative freedom.
“I am passionate about colour – shocking, vibrant and intense...I continually explore the power it has to invade our senses and influence our emotions.”
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While undeniably contemporary, her artistic influences span centuries and continents – from 18th century Japanese ukiyo-e masters like Utamaro to the Art Nouveau flourishes of Alphonse Mucha and the provocative sensuality of Egon Schiele. These influences meld with modern inspirations from Jeff Koons to fashion photography, creating something entirely her own.
The distinctive Louise Dear aesthetic has garnered prestigious recognition. Her works have been exhibited at London's Royal Academy and caught the attention of major museums. She has collaborated with brands like Alfa Romeo (wrapping one of her signature pieces around the new Alfa MiTo), the charity 'Elephant Family', the Daisy Green Collection of Australian-inspired restaurants, and most recently Victoria Plum with the Louise Dear Bathroom Range.
The Power of Feminine Expression
What makes Louise Dear particularly relevant as we celebrate International Women's Day is her unapologetic celebration of feminine power, beauty and sensuality. In a world where women's self-expression still encounters barriers, her work stands as a vibrant declaration of female creative force.
Her paintings feature women who are luminous and powerful, overlaid with flowers and what she delightfully describes as "frivolity." These aren't passive subjects but dynamic presences – women who own their beauty, their sensuality, and their place in the world.
“The divine exuberance I feel of simply being a woman, of being alive, are what I portray and wish to share with my viewer”
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This celebration extends beyond the canvas into her creative partnerships and business relationships. Her collaboration with the Daisy Green Collection has brought her vibrant feminine energy into upscale London restaurants and cocktail bars, while her bathroom collection with Victoria Plum has transformed private spaces into celebrations of colour and sensuality.
A New Chapter Unfolds
Now firmly established in her French atelier, with the backdrop of the Pyrenees and overlooking the sparkling sea, Louise Dear enters this new chapter of her artistic journey with the same adventurous spirit that has defined her life. Her newest works – created in this haven of Mediterranean light – represent both a continuation and evolution of her distinctive style.
The paintings emerging from this period demonstrate a mature artist at the height of her powers, one whose global adventures and life experiences have distilled into a unique visual language that continues to captivate collectors worldwide.
Louise says, "I am a painter with a simple ambition; to create beautiful paintings," although, behind this seemingly straightforward statement lies a lifetime of artistic exploration, technical mastery, and fearless self-expression.
We are honoured to continue our long relationship with Louise Dear as she embarks on this exciting new phase of her artistic journey. Her works offer not just visual impact but an emotional experience – one that reminds us of beauty's power to transform our everyday experiences.
As we celebrate International Women's Day, we invite you to explore Louise's extraordinary artistic world – where colour, texture and feminine energy combine to create something truly unforgettable.
Louise Dear's is one of adventure, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of beauty - a narrative as vibrant and captivating as her paintings themselves.
