RICCALL artist Samantha Snowden is giving a demonstration of portrait painting on Saturday at the Blake Gallery, Blake Street, York, from 10.30am to 5.30pm.

“This will be a rare opportunity to see an artist painting a portrait and discussing her work and maybe, if you like what you see, commission a portrait of your own,” says gallery owner Michael Hourston.

“Everyone is welcome to join us to watch Samantha at work and ask any questions while she paints.”

Samantha graduated from the Hull School of Art and Design in 2001 with a BA (Hons) in Fine Art and now concentrates on portrait commissions.

“I’ve been continuously working on my technique and style of painting,” she says. “I share a studio space with my partner and we’re part of a group of practising artists who try to collaborate and exhibit together.”

Samantha’s paintings are composed of abstract layers of contrasting, expressive mark making. “My recent work has been inspired in part by the CoBrA(CoRReCT)group of painters, especially the playful, spontaneous compositions of Karel Appel,” she says.

“In a similar way to these artists, I layer painterly marks to create distinct spaces and moments of activity within the paintings. The gestural nature of my technique is important.”

Samantha also is influenced by early to mid-20th century classical music and the episodic, jarring nature of works by Stravinsky and Schoenberg. “In these works it’s possible to enjoy the sounds and orchestral motifs without having to liken the music to anything.”