Richmond-based artist Lucy Pittaway has unveiled her latest artistic endeavor, "The Ladies Collection," marking a significant departure from her well-known naive and imaginative style typically focused on landscapes, nature, gardens, and animals. This new body of work represents a notable evolution in both her artistic approach and subject matter, shifting toward figurative painting with a deeply personal inspiration.
The collection comprises six new figurative paintings that draw their inspiration from Pittaway's childhood memories of sketching women in elegant gowns at her mother's dress shop. Each artwork captures women adorned in sophisticated dresses, brought to vivid life through the artist's masterful use of color, dynamic movement, and compelling storytelling techniques. The individual pieces are titled with feminine names that reflect their emotional essence: Grace, Rose, Serenity, Liberty, Joy, and Passion.
Reflecting on the genesis of this collection, Pittaway explained the deeply personal connection behind her new work. "The idea began years ago when I spent time in my mom's wedding dress and flower shop, modeling gowns and sketching women in sweeping dresses whenever I could," she said. "Those early drawings stayed with me, even as life and my art moved in other directions. Recently, seeing my own daughter and friends' daughters in long evening dresses for end-of-school celebrations brought those memories back. It felt like the right moment to explore that side of my creativity again."
The artist emphasized how this series captures women in fleeting moments, complete with all the accompanying emotions those instances bring. "This series of paintings captures women caught in a moment, with all the emotion that brings," Pittaway noted. "It marks a new chapter for me, one that still carries my love of color, movement and storytelling, but with a fresh focus on the female form."
The Yorkshire-based artist has established a strong presence in the regional art scene, operating seven galleries throughout the North-East, North Yorkshire, and the Lake District, in addition to maintaining a destination outlet store. The Ladies Collection is now available for purchase in multiple formats, including original paintings, prints, and canvases, both through online sales and at her physical gallery locations. Art enthusiasts interested in learning more about the collection can access additional information through the artist's official channels.
