Melinda Kenneway

I grew up in the Kent countryside with a love of myths and legend, fuelled by Tolkien, C S Lewis and Andrew Lang. This gave me a sense of magic and romance that has stayed with me through life.

Now based just outside of Oxford, I paint with oils – portraiture and figurative art  in natural and semi-fantastical settings. I aim to create paintings that are whimsical and thoughtful, with Pre-Raphaelite influences.

My technique is similar to that of the old masters, which requires putting down many layers and finishing with transparent glazes to add colour and depth. It’s a time-consuming but hugely rewarding technique that gives oil paintings a glow that cannot otherwise be achieved.