Featured Artist Mona Agia

Artist and world traveler Mona Agia explores texture and intense color in her abstract paintings. Visit her website to see more of her portfolio.

 

 

I started painting late in life. I was invited to attend a painting course even though I had no experience at all. Having worked as a sales and marketing professional in the airline industry, I had the opportunity to travel extensively on business and leisure. I became very interested in trying out this new hobby, which later translated itself into a real passion.

 

 

As I paint, I immerse myself totally in my artistic expression. I do not set any boundaries for my imagination. Art-making allows me to examine and experience the world from a different perspective. It tantalizes my curiosity and stimulates the exploration of new ideas.

 

 

Colour is an important aspect of my work. I am not afraid to choose bold and vibrant colours to emphasize the freshness and novelty of my message.

 

 

While oil is my medium of choice, I continually experiment with the qualities of acrylic and watercolour. With acrylics, I lay down layers and explore textures and colour to broaden the depth and intensity of the work. With watercolour, I guide pigments into unexpected and magical rhythms of shapes and intensity of colour.

 

 

As a versatile medium that is easy to carry, I use watercolour’s wet and dry techniques for depth and a variety of spontaneous, smooth and rough, markings. In my plein air sketches, I capture the light, colour and atmosphere accurately and then later augment or recreate the painting in the studio.

 

 

My initial semi-figurative sketches often progress to semi-abstract and then to abstract form. I enjoy the effect of progressing from one style to another in a subconscious, yet intense way.

 

 

While I paint many landscapes, I also enjoy portrait and still life work. I enjoy painting what appeals to my senses, intrigues me and asks to be painted. I greatly admire the works of Matisse, Kandinsky and Van Gogh. Their colour palettes, the variety of brush strokes and unique compositions never cease to inspire me.

 

 

I am a world traveler and find that my ability to speak five languages helps me communicate and navigate my travels and the people I meet. Before I visit a destination, I research the musical, culinary and cultural aspects of the country and enjoy engaging with people in their language if I can.

 

 

Of the many places I have visited, Italy and Spain feel most like where I belong. Their landscapes, people and cultures touch me deeply. I feel compelled to paint my feelings on paper. As I speak both languages fluently, it helps me better appreciate living in either country.

 

 

I’ve been organizing art trips in many countries in the world since 2011. It is a most satisfying activity because plein air painting sets you in the local atmosphere of the city, capturing the essence of the place.

 

Artist Mona Agia invites you to follow her on Facebook.

 

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