Sophie Walbeoffe

British born artist Sophie Walbeoffe has painting in her veins. Her French great grandparents were both painters living in Antibes, France during 1920s. Her great uncle established the Courtauld Institute of Art. She studied painting at the Wimbledon School of Art with excellent tutors, Maggie Hambling and Prunella Clough only to mention a few. Cecil Collins at the Central School of Art, who was inspired by Eastern spirituality, also guided Sophie. Following a meditation exercise, Collins would make his class paint using hands, mouth and feet. From his teaching Sophie adopted a spontaneous form of working in which both hands are used. “It makes you use your soul – it is more impulsive and creates magic straight away.” Sophie arrived in Dubai as a painter in the late 80s, drawn by stories of the desert landscapes and the Bedouins who have gracefully managed to maintain their traditions. Whilst painting in Dubai for two years she learnt about British explorer Wilfred Thesiger, and … [Read More...]