Harlequin Life

Harlequin Life is an original Oil on Metal by Sally Whelan. The British painter currently lives and works from her studio in Islington, London. However, she has been a keen traveller throughout her life. This lead to her first solo exhibition being held in Byron Bay, Australia – where she continues to have a strong following.

Sally’s figurative oil paintings, and portraits, have a strong narrative and bold composition. They provoke a feeling of curiosity from the viewer. She works from a combination of life drawing, photographs and sketches. Where a witty charm and well-observed sense of humour blends uniquely with a hint of dark undercurrent.

Whelan is interested in the connection between viewer and subject. The artist being the middle woman.  Bodies, people, their stories, their skin, the hidden shades and depths. Her work is never predictable, always challenging and obviously something she feels compelled to depict.

Interestingly enough, Sally has no formal art training. However, she has spent the past 17 years self-teaching and perfecting her natural talent. Originally trained as a professional hairdresser & make up artist for the BBC, along with being a trained wig maker by trade, it comes as no surprise that Whelan can always be found with some sort of brush or tool in hand. 

Sally Whelan talks about Harlequin Life and her other works:

My works tend to be oils on canvas. However, I have no hard and fast rules. I will utilise any number of mediums, tools and surfaces to paint on. Pieces of wood, street signs, old leather, cardboard, x-rays, furniture…anything that has an interesting texture or character to it.

Sally works endlessly on her own body of work. As well as oil paintings commissioned by the TV and film industry, and for private collectors. She has shown and sold her work internationally. Including Australia, America, Canada, Europe and throughout the UK.