About Doreen Aitken

If you have browsed my work you will see that I work using different styles and mediums as I think suits the subject and how I feel about it. This results in works of either traditional or more modern exploratory style. I work to please my self but I hope that occasionally I produce something to please 'some of the people some of the time.' If you see anything that please leave a comment to let me know.

Qualifications

First Class BA Honours degree, University of East Anglia
Distinction + B.Tech Level 3 Fine Art and Design, Art Academy East, Norwich
Distinction, City and Guilds, Fine Art and Design Level 2, Art Academy East, Norwich- Part of the College of West Anglia

Biography

Originally from the Midlands I came to Norfolk for a twelve week long, community arts programme as a theatrical designer of two years experience. That was some three decades ago. By the time that initial twelve week contract was over I was smitten by Norfolk, and never returned to live again in the Midlands.

Once established in Norfolk, over the next 20 years, I continued as an independent theatrical designer and producer of scenery, props, masks, puppets and costumes for a variety of large, small and regional theatres including Norwich Puppet Theatre, Theatre Royal Norwich, West Acre Open Air Theatre and Studios and various theatre supply companies which also led to work for national touring companies, PW Productions and I Ifagiolini Opera Company.

As a mature student of almost 50, in 2003 I obtained a first class Bachelor of Arts degree with honours at the University of East Anglia.

I now live in the first village I ever visited in Norfolk some 36 years ago. Gressenhall is in the very heart of Norfolk, UK. Having lived in Fakenham for the first few years I was working on yet another community project at the Rural Life Museum in Gressenhall when I met my very patient bass playing husband of more than 30 years. Now retired, when I am not painting in the studio that Mr Aitken built for me, we are engaged in our joint creations of Norfolk Blues Society and Dereham Blues Festival and pursuing a new passion of metal detecting all of which inspire my artwork.

Grateful Thanks

I owe much to the following artists who have given me their time and encouragement:

I am indebted also to the late Robbie Elvin who when fighting his illness still found energy to give me much encouragement and talk to me about his technique and approach to his work. I miss his interest and support of my work.

Last to my artist friend Liz Russell who died in 2016. I miss her company and regret she was denied realizing her own rich artistic potential.

Thank you for visiting my site. I hope you have seen something that you have enjoyed.