Felicia Aroney Artist – Up Close & Personal

Felicia Aroney is well recognised for her highly sculptural floral and abstract paintings. She uses a palette knife technique to layer and shape the paint until it stands in relief of the canvas, giving it a textural depth similar to that in nature. Felicia draws inspiration from the fusion of her rich Australian upbringing and her European background and travels. Her contemporary blossoms are luxurious, and the play of light gives movement and life to the subject.

In this Q&A Felicia tells us a little more about herself.

When did you first feel the desire to be artistic and realize you had talent?

I wanted to be an artist from primary school. Creativity came easy to me and continued to progress over the years. It was obvious to me this was the path I would take.

Where did you learn your art?

Most was self taught, through observation and self expression. The technical side was taught during my “Graphic Design” degree and Fine Arts minor at Curtin University WA.

What inspires you most?

I`m not necessarily inspired by “things”. I’m inspired by feelings, such as feeling “content” “creative” and “enlightened”.

What message are you sending to the viewer of your art?

That what they see is more than a botanical image. It`s a play on texture and light and shade. I want the viewer to absorb themselves in the work, and to interpret it as they wish. Up close the work is quite abstract, and from a far more figurative. So it gives the viewer a lot to consider.

Describe your studio…

Because I paint with a palette knife it means the paint quite often leaves the knife before it even hits the canvas! So my floor, walls and clothing are always covered in paint. It`s not ideal, but this technique brings a fluidness and spontaneity to my work.

Describe your typical day of creating art…

Lights on, air-conditioner on and music on. Then I`m in the zone, and continue to paint, colour mix and sketch. I often work on several pieces at any one time to allow for drying time between layers.

What mediums do you use and why?

I use structured acrylic paints, so I am able to create my overtly textured pieces, plus oils in which I apply on top to give my work more pigment and lustre.

What are you working on now?

I`m continuing to work on my botanicals. It`s an area that I never get sick of exploring. My hydrangeas have taken a back seat to my current blossom series, but it`its not to say I won`t be painting these anymore. I’ve also enjoyed painting on black backgrounds with overtly textured abstracted blossoms. These works seem more contemporary to me, and allow me to expand my market further.

What are your recent career achievements?

Designer Rugs asked me to collaborate with them, and we designed the “Aroney” collection. This collection has been shot in “Belle” Magazine and opened the door for me to work with Interior designers (commissioning art for their interior projects). I too have recently been asked to design a front cover for “Audrey” Magazine.

What do you love most about what you do?

I can’t imagine doing anything else. I love going to work.

Where can you see yourself in 10 years time?

Painting and getting more involved with charities. I am currently an Ambassador for “You can sit with me” as well as donate to 20 Charities a year. I`d like to get more actively involved with them.