What Alice Found There

Kerry Darlington – What Alice Found There

“Thanks to my mother, stories were part of my life long before I could even pick up a pencil.”

The magic of myth and legend has always lived within me, woven into the core of who I am. From the moment I began to draw, storytelling and painting became inseparable — two sides of the same coin.

I’ve always been a dreamer, more comfortable with images than with words. Art became my language — a way to express the cosmic knowledge bound to my imagination.

Ideas often arrive while I’m listening to a story, poem, music, or even the silence of meditation. Each painting becomes a journey. As I paint, I learn. The artworks guide me and reveal their own wisdom.

Technique

Kerry often starts with a simple doodle inspired by a daydream, a photo of her children, or the energy from a previous painting. She usually has a clear vision of the main composition, but the rest evolves naturally.

She paints with acrylics and metallics, layering them with resin to add depth and luminosity. Each layer builds on the one before, creating richness and movement within the artwork.

The Critical Beginning

Each painting begins on a primed wooden board, custom-cut to size. Kerry sketches the key elements, then applies the background colour — a vital first step.

This background layer sets the tone for everything that follows. Choosing the right colours here is essential, as they influence all subsequent layers.

Resin Process

Next, she applies resin in layers, painting between each one. This builds up vibrancy, adds transparency, and softens certain areas. Occasionally, she layers resin over pastels to create delicate, translucent effects.

On the final layer, Kerry adds fine white highlights and the smallest details. She finishes the piece with an archival varnish to protect and preserve the work.

Growth and Recognition

Thirteen years ago, Kerry began working as a self-employed artist. She launched her career by selling abstract decorative pieces on eBay, where her distinctive style quickly gained attention.

Within a year, a gallery and publishing agent discovered her work and began to represent her. She soon gained a reputation for original designs inspired by nature — especially her iconic tree series.

Kerry then released her book illustrations as Unique Edition prints. Midnight Garden and Mad Hatter’s Tea Party sold out within hours. More illustrated releases followed, including Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz, and in 2013, The Magic Faraway Tree — a childhood favourite, licensed with special permission.

Her private collection of figurative works marked another turning point. Pieces like Ophelia, Undine, and The Lady of Shalott elevated her portfolio and remain highly sought after on the secondary market.

In both 2012 and 2014, Kerry received the Best-Selling Published Artist award from the Fine Art Trade Guild.

Today, she is one of the most celebrated contemporary artists in the UK, with hundreds of collectors across the country and worldwide. Her art continues to inspire and enchant.

To see Kerry’s recent visit to Limited 2 Art, click this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQwcPiLbk6A
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Kerry Darlington – What Alice Found There