The Belle Époque Today: The Art of Mary Fedden, OBE, RA

Boxing Day
Mary Fedden
The Royal Academy

Bold shapes, deep colors, and organic forms characterize the work of Royal Academy member, Mary Fedden. She produces amazingly fluid abstract still lives and landscapes that put one in mind of the work of Matisse. In fact, much like Matisse, she often uses cut paper in her work for dimension.

Born in Bristol in 1915, Fedden studied at the Slade School of Fine Arts in London from 1932-1936. She returned to Bristol where she taught painting until World War II. After the war, she developed a new, personal style which she exhibits to this day.

Irish Lilies
Mary Fedden
The Royal Academy

Though her more recent works stem from a more limited color palette, Fedden relies heavily on brilliant, contrasting colors to create a sense of movement and weight. From her London Studio on the Thames in London, Fedden continues to produce her masterpieces. Her outstanding work earned her an honorary doctorate from The University of Bath, an honorary degree from The University of Durham and the prestigious Order of the British Empire.

Fedden prefers to paint in her studio. She does, however, sketch subjects when she’s out. This video gives you a glimpse into the working habits of this clever artist.