COLOURS OF CYPRUS

COLOURS OF CYPRUS

text ALIX NORMAN

photography DEC AudioVisual

Surrounding the Four Seasons is a landscape renowned for its picture-perfect palette, clarity of light and sun-drenched scenery that lures artists from near and far. We step into four studios in the Limassol district that welcome visitors, and explore what inspired these masters of colour to call Cyprus their home.

The strong colours and shapes of Cyprus are transformed into distinctive semi-abstract works of art by Katie Sabry.

Katie Sabry

Half English, half Cypriot Katie Sabry is a painter and all-round creative who has always called Cyprus home. “I went to school here, I’ve lived here my entire life, and this island is my home – I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.” Working from her studio – a traditional town house in the heart of Limassol – Katie is a watercolour and oils specialist who also dabbles in mosaics, and her workshop is packed with evidence of her wide-ranging talents: brightly-hued canvases, meticulous piece-work, and delicate watercolours.

“There’s something intrinsically creative about this island, and especially Limassol,” Katie declares. “We’re a town of artists, dancers and musicians, a real community, and I’m fortunate to live in a neighbourhood that’s bursting with energy.” Preferring to create from life, Katie frequently heads out into the countryside to draw motivation from the natural aesthetic of the surrounding area, making visual ‘notes’ in her sketchbook and sourcing materials for her mosaics – which can include everything from old china to offcuts of stone and marble.

“This island is a constant source of inspiration,” she reveals. “The wild, miraculous coastline towards ancient Curium; the open bays and headlands of Paramali; the abundant flora and fauna of the foothills. Then there’s the light, the sea and the landscape, all aspects of the region which are, I believe, unique.” Often beginning with “a simple line, a shape, and working from there,” Katie admits to being “in love with the brilliant colours of Cyprus, and its distinctive palette.”

Painting has been my passion since I was very young. Having always lived in Limassol, I’m a local, not an expat, and I’m passionate about the region’s feeling of openness, its nature and its light.

Michael Owen

Founder of what may well be the oldest working gallery on the island, world-renowned painter – and self-described ‘naturalized Cypriot’ – Michael Owen works out of his studio in Lania village. That is, when he’s not out in the countryside drawing inspiration from the village landscape and the island’s wealth of flora and fauna...

“I’d lived in New Zealand, Australia and New Guinea before moving to Cyprus in 1971,” he says, adding with a grin that he just likes islands! “As a landscape painter, you truly appreciate the changing seasons: the burnt umbers and deep ochres of summer; the vivid greens of the Cyprus winter. It may not be an easy landscape to paint, with its palette that changes so drastically from season to season, but it’s a truly lovely area for an artist; it’s a different world I suppose.”

Focusing on both landscapes and historical architecture, Michael’s paintings often feature marvellous swathes of colour which pulse with movement: sweeps of indigo and ribbons of gold, olive-green strips of land riding on a surge of white-flecked waves. “Lately,” he discloses, “I’ve been fascinated by the untouched ruins in the area: the stones, bridges and old village houses which have been taken over by nature. Lania may only be 20 minutes out of Limassol, but I find it to be a source of endless inspiration: a simple yet beautiful village in the heart of the wine country. A wonderful area for a painter.”

There's so much movement and every imaginable colour. For a painter, there’s just endless atmosphere here; I’ve been painting this island for 45 years, and there’s always something new.

John Welch

Founder of Welbry studios, stained glass specialist John Welch is an expat who “discovered paradise” when he first visited Cyprus in 1978. “Look out your window: there’s blue sky every morning, you’re next to the sea and the light is just sublime,” he enthuses. “There’s something about this place that’s laid back, creative; there’s an incredibly positive artistic spirit,” he says, explaining why he has made the island his permanent home for the last 30 years.

For John, what started as a hobby has become a successful, full-time business, based in the old town of Limassol. “My studio is a traditional mudbrick and stone house with a secluded courtyard, set in the very centre of town. It really is the perfect space for an artist. You’re surrounded by this extraordinarily vibrant culture, and yet you’re totally private. It’s very inspirational,” he says, “it allows you to create beautiful things.”

From the vast church windows to the intricate decorative items, John’s pieces are frequently commissioned by his devoted client base. But he also works “from imagination, inspired by the materials, the positive vibe of the area, and the sea. With stained glass, you’re truly creating one-of-a-kinds,” he says, explaining that each sheet reveals a singular patter of marbling, which he then uses to great effect in his creations. “Working in the medium of light and glass, you can never predict exactly what will come out of the kiln. So each piece of art is utterly unique.”

I’ve always wanted to create beautiful objects, and I believe Cyprus is the ideal place for this. It’s a Mediterranean paradise. You wake up each morning full of life, thinking ‘what shall I make today?

Kelly Norman

Painter, sketcher and encaustic specialist Kelly Norman hails from Bedfordshire, but fell in love with Cyprus from her very first visit in 2003. She says: “Cyprus is such an inspiring place for an artist; there’s so much space and so few distractions, it’s very conducive to creativity. You can always see the sky, the whole landscape, and the colours are simply incredible.”

Now living and painting from her home in Pentakomo village, Kelly draws much of her inspiration from the surrounding areas, and often journeys into the foothills with her paintbox, charcoal and sketchbook. “There’s a pattern to the landscape here,” she suggests, “that’s echoed in my work. With encaustic, you’re building layers of colour on the canvas; the scenery is much the same: layers of vineyards and carob trees and mountains, like terracing against the sky.”

Kelly regularly welcomes those who are passionate about art to her studio, where they can see the local landscapes she’s captured on canvas: “I’m part of the community here, so a great deal of what I paint depicts the village.” A mere 17 minutes from Limassol, Pentakomo is in “a beautiful, rural setting, packed with crumbling buildings which melt into the countryside,” Kelly explains. “You’re just a step away from the most vibrant city on the island, and yet you can walk to the edge of the land, gaze at the sea and lose yourself in the quiet. I think that’s an inspiration to anyone...”

Living in a village works very well with family life. I feel I’ve become part of the community, part of the village, and this gives me a deep connection to the people and the landscape.