Can you tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to pursue art?

Hi, I'm Constance and I've been a full time artist for almost 4 years. I had always loved art, and water, which is a running theme through out my work, but I didn't pursue art professionally until my mid twenties. After getting my degree (in literature) I moved to London and worked for a few years but kept thinking about how much I wanted to pursue art. Then, I switched to working part time and put myself through art school part time for about 18 months. This was a tricky financial balancing act, and one that I knew I couldn't sustain forever. But I worked hard and had a vision of what I wanted to achieve, and by 2020, I was starting to make work that I was proud of. I entered these pieces into some shows, and even won the prestigious Bath Society of Arts Young Artist award and main prize (it was the first time a recipient has been the winner of both in the society's 120 year history). From here I made my first sales and began working with a small gallery, and things grew to the level where I could pursue art full time. Pursuing art really does feel like the reason I was put on the planet, and the fact I have been able to shape my life to make art my career brings me immense happiness and pride.

How would you describe your artistic style? What themes or messages do you explore in your work?

I work in oil paint in a representational style. My work has some photorealistic elements, but also a surreal quality - part of the reason I paint water is because it often creates a visual spectacle that inherently looks surreal or dreamlike.

I use the subject of water to express several themes. Life is constantly moving, and water, I think, is a good vehicle to express this; the intense distortions and ripples are unique to a specific moment of capture.

I am also fascinated by the experience of being in water, particularly large outdoor bodies - how it makes the swimmer feel both powerful - sleek muscles and sinews coursing through the water, and at the same time, small and insignificant in a vast space.

Can you share the story behind one of your favourite pieces that was showcased at the Nicholas Penn Fine Art pop-up exhibition?

Nyx is a personal favourite. I played with scale, making the figure just larger than life. The dark swimsuit makes the body into something sculptural and imposing, I wanted to create the sense that we are watching a swimmer totally at ease within an environment. I often think of hands as a symbol of agency, and the curling fingers act as focal point in the piece - they are leisurely, but ready to move at the swimmers behest.

What inspires your creations—are there specific places, experiences, or emotions that drive your work?

I've be drawn to water even as a young child. I grew up near a river, the Ribble, it's wide, but a shallow murky thing, but even so and I have early memories of peeking over a wall excitedly to see look at how the sun would glisten on it summer.

When I started painting in my twenties though, I think I used water as a way of processing something traumatic that had happened to me. I'd been in a situation where I was completely out of control and it both frightened me and made me angry. The meditative qualities of water helped me resolve this anger, and developing these ideas of water being an environment that facilitated both gaining and relinquishing control, was incredibly cathartic on a personal level.

Nicholas Penn Fine Art, Surface & Depth Pop Up 2025

What has been the most memorable moment of your artistic journey so far?

Probably my first art fair. I was very nervous beforehand because I was going to be exhibiting my work in central London over 4 days. I wanted to go in with low expectations but I ended up making loads of connections and selling 5 of my large pieces, plus taking on some commissions and selling some of my prints. It was my first time getting to really experience how people interacted with the work in person.

What’s one unforgettable moment from your time at the Pouch Cove Artist Residency in Newfoundland, Canada?

So Pouch Cove was probably one of the best months of my life - it was such an amazing studio space, the location is incredible, I was trail running every day, there was a lovely cohort of artists who all became friends, looking at the stunning gallery pieces, the whole experience left my so energized and inspired. One unforgettable experience was probably an artists day trip to Shoe Cove. It's a narrow channel between two cliffs which opens out into the vastness of the sea. We had a warm day, so I swam way out, the water calm at the start, but the waves lifting you a few meters as you approach open water. That feeling is one I try to remember with each painting I now create.

What’s the one thing in your studio you can’t live without?

Manganese blue. It's not the most common paint pigment but I love it, and use it in almost every piece.

Do you have any advice for aspiring artists or those who want to explore their creative side?

You need to be fascinated by your subject, you are going to spend the better part of your life looking at it, searching for it, thinking about it, so it has to excite you.

Secondly, look after the boring things. Keep your palette clean, make sure you eat well enough to have energy, keep materials stocked, keep your work space acceptably tidy. Not every day will be a perfect day for painting, but create an environment that facilitates your best work and you will have more better days.

What’s one piece of advice you’ve gotten about art that you think is total nonsense?

I had an art teacher tell me once "oh your work is pretty, I'm sure it might look nice in a hotel lobby, but you won't be a serious artist until you start using your art to say something".

If your art is fuelling you creatively, if it's bringing joy to you and others, and people are able to connect with it emotionally, don't worry about being a 'serious artist'.

What’s next for you after the pop-up gallery? Are there any exciting projects or goals on the horizon?

I have a fair in March and then an open studio show in May, so a lot going on over the next few months. In terms of work, I have a beautiful photo series taken in Peneda Getes national Park, in the Poco Azul pools. I'm planning to make six or seven paintings as part of a series later in the year.

In my personal life, I am really excited to marry my wonderful partner of nine years in a few months.

Interview with Constance Regardsoe

Behind the Scenes: Surface & Depth

Exploring the Cam Creatives Exhibition