Anna Perotti

Ten years ago, when I moved to Sheffield, I immediately fell in love with the breathtaking beauty of the Peaks. Just a quick walk through the hills could instantly lift my mood, no matter what was going on in my life. I knew I had to capture that feeling in my art while also portraying the stunning vistas and open spaces around me.

My teachers and fellow artists always told me to "practice every day," but honestly, I had no space to do so. At the beginning of this year, I finally negotiated with my incredibly patient and understanding family for the use of half of our dining table. Slowly but surely, my brushes, paints, papers, and canvases have spread throughout the room, allowing me a dedicated space to think, create, and experiment freely. This has transformed my practice, enabling me to overcome difficult days and gain confidence in my creative process.

When I'm painting, I aim to capture the ever-changing beauty of the Peaks, with all their fog, stormy clouds, and brilliant light that transforms the colours. I use different techniques, like watercolour, charcoal pencils, soft pastels, and oil paint, and often mix them for a unique effect. My paintings usually feature iconic peaks like Stanage Edge but in a more abstract way.