Introduction
Carly Ashdown, a dynamic UK artist, creates vibrant figurative paintings that capture the essence of human experience. Based in London, her expressive works explore movement and emotion, drawing inspiration from the female form and the complexities of life. Using acrylics and mixed media, Ashdown’s art blends vivid colors with abstract drips, evoking joy, resilience, and transformation. Her pieces invite viewers to connect with their inner selves, making her a celebrated figure in the UK art scene for her emotive, uplifting creations.
Biography
Carly Ashdown, born in 1980 in Leeds, UK, grew up sketching people and their stories, a passion that shaped her artistic path. After earning an Art and Design degree in 2004, focusing on film and photography, she built a successful television career with the BBC and Channel 4. Yet, her instinct to paint took over, leading her to become a full-time artist in the early 2010s.
Training in psychotherapy at the Tavistock Institute and volunteering at Mind in London deepened her fascination with human emotions, influencing her expressive style. Inspired by Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning, Ashdown uses drip techniques and vibrant acrylics to create dynamic, figurative works. Her paintings, like *Twilight* and *Thunder* (released 2020), feature women dancing across minimal backgrounds, symbolizing personal transformation.
From her London studio, Ashdown starts with charcoal sketches, layering paint instinctively to evoke movement. Her process, often described as a “dialogue with the canvas,” involves dripping and flicking paint to create energy and depth. Her 2014 debut solo show marked her rise, with sell-out exhibitions across the UK.
Ashdown’s work, exhibited in galleries worldwide, is prized for its emotional resonance and vibrant energy. Her paintings, often embedding hidden words about human strength, connect deeply with collectors. Her UK following grew through social media engagement, including a 2020 Facebook post about her *Summer Collection*.
Carly Ashdown’s journey from television to celebrated artist reflects her commitment to exploring the human spirit, creating art that inspires and uplifts through its vivid celebration of life.
