When did you start your creative practice and why?
Art has been my lifelong companion. My professional journey began in my 20s while working in London; I invested in a kiln and began selling hand-painted porcelain and bone china. However, my roots in large-scale work go back to age 14, when my design was chosen to paint an arts-themed mural for a local theatre. This eventually evolved into a successful 11-year career as a professional muralist, specialising in the intricate, self-taught art of trompe l'oeil. That foundational experience with scale and perspective continues to influence my work today.
How would you describe your artistic style to someone unfamiliar with your work?
I define my style as contemporary fine art with a deep-rooted obsession for detail. I am particularly drawn to the intersection of industry and history-capturing the quiet beauty of decay and the echoes of "times past." Whether I am painting a weathered industrial structure or a delicate still life, my goal is to translate the tactile reality of the subject through a meticulous, observant lens.
What themes or ideas do you find yourself returning to most often?
My work frequently revolves around the narrative of the environment, specifically industrial heritage, sweeping landscapes, and urban decay. I find a unique poetry in aged textures and the way time transforms man-made structures. Occasionally, I return to still life as a way to explore these same themes of light, shadow, and permanence on a more intimate scale.
What is your creative process from idea to finished piece? Is it always the same?
My process is heavily weighted toward the conceptual phase. I spend a significant amount of time "thought processing"-mentally deconstructing the composition, lighting, and technical challenges before I ever touch the surface. This period of internal visualization ensures that by the time I begin the physical creative stage, I have a clear emotional and technical roadmap for the piece.
Is there a particular piece of yours that feels especially meaningful? Why?
It is difficult to choose just one, but my career highlights are tied to pieces that were recognised by the prestigious societies at The Mall Galleries, London. A study of a Thames Barge deck in Maldon holds a special place in my heart, as it was exhibited with the Royal Society of Marine Artists. Similarly, my depictions of the Crich Tramway workshop (exhibited with the Royal Society of British Artists) and "Working at Height" (exhibited with The Pastel Society) represent pivotal moments where my passion for industrial subjects met professional validation.
Have you got a project / award/ residency/ or idea are you excited to share with us?
One of my proudest moments was reaching heat semi-finalist of Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year 2022 at the iconic Eden Project. When I'm not at the easel myself, I find immense fulfillment in teaching. I host weekly workshops in my home studio and travel to give demonstrations for art societies, helping others find their creative voice through a variety of mediums and subjects.
How can we find your work online?
https://www.easelweaselartworkshops.co.uk
Denise Cliffen Artist
