Carla Sá Fernandes is an exciting abstract painter currently based in Portugal. We sat down with Carla to learn about how the artist spends a typical day. From her sunlit studio to evening walks on the beach, find out how this artists gets into the zone to produce her stunning array of works!
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
Drink a bottle of sparkling water while enjoying the stillness of the morning.
What inspires you to create every day?
The sun, always the sun. I can’t create if there is no sun.
What does your work space look like?
My studio gets natural light/sunshine from morning until sunset, it has got a 7 m wide x 4 m high sliding glass door, facing West to the sunset, so I may open it and it’s almost like I am outside, ‘en plein air’. From my studio, I can see a vineyard and the sea.
Describe the core of your technique or style.
I love to paint large-scale abstract works. My work is completely intuitive and spontaneous, with a vibrant color scheme, vigorous brush strokes and lots of dripping.
What are your top 3 studio essentials?
Sunlight, bare feet and silence.
How do you know or decide when an artwork is finished?
I can’t explain it, it’s pure intuition. I just look at it and feel it’s done!
What do you like to do to unwind after a day’s work?
I love to walk with Xavi (my collie) by the beach and watch the sunset – even better if I have the company of my son and husband! I also love to have a glass of wine or champagne with friends.
What’s your overall favorite aspect of the creative process?
The blank canvas, absolutely! The excitement of creating something new!
Thank you, Carla! See more of her work on her dedicated artist page.
