Zoe Padmore
Zoe is originally from Islington, North London, but has lived on Merseyside since 2008.
Learning decorative paint effects from her specialist painter father who was known for woodgraining and marbling, initially she produced mural work for clients’ homes and businesses.
Early in her career she was commissioned by an interior designer to produce eight pencil drawings for the Cunard Liner Sagafjord, which lead to further work for Cunard, including work on the QE2 and the P&O Sea Princess, as well as projects for Hilton Hotels.
Over time, Zoe built a portfolio of commissions for a range of clients, including business leaders, celebrity singers, footballers, and even Jordanian royalty.
After becoming a mother Zoe shifted her focus from travelling and working on scaffolding to creating artwork she could produce from home, joining the joined the Wirral Society of Arts, and selling at Williamson Art Gallery and Museum.
Inspired by her local surroundings, Zoe began creating a series of works based on the old brick alleys and cobblestone entryways of her neighbourhood in New Brighton. She photographs these hidden passageways, capturing their sense of history as the streets around them modernise. Images then become artworks using pointillism techniques with fine line pen, as well as acrylic paint and coloured pencil on textured watercolour paper.
Zoe is also developing her practice into portraiture. The series blends contemporary figures with Tudor and Elizabethan influences, created in fine line pen and coloured pencil with touches of gold leaf. These works have led to commissions, including one from an emerging jazz duo.
