This is a painterly painting, it went through some changes and the texture built up in layers. The starting point was a Greek vase, I painted the angel quite close to the original at first but there was something missing. I rotated my canvas clockwise and took it through some major changes. I made the angel more modern and took her to the beach. I think she’s enjoying a little moment in Santorini, the sand is volcanic, her feet are in the sea and the sun reflects off the water but with thoughts of the Egyptian sun god, Ra - the scarab beetle pushing the sun through the skies. It’s a playful painting, it’s about taking time off from the day to day - to enjoy just being. Collecting sea shells, swimming, lying in the sunshine.

Catherine Pring

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As with most artists, I paint about the human condition. I paint things that have impact for me and that I hope other people can relate to, connect with. I often use myths and legends as a starting point for my paintings but I work unconsciously so I can veer off at a tangent or change course completely. Making art is a bit like dreaming for me. I let things suggest themselves and go with it. If I don't love the 'finished' painting, I spin the canvas and start again. The previous painting becomes an under-layer. A hidden or partially hidden part of the painting's history. Each canvas tells a story in itself but sometimes canvases have their own story of evolution as well, their own journey, just as we do. It's a very playful process, it's fun - but it's serious fun.