Fusion Of Nature & Abstraction
Originally from South Africa, artist Carla Raads has been taking the art world by storm. Ali Gudgeon catches up with her to talk about her latest work. Photography: Rob Cooper
Carla Raads is a professional abstract seascape and landscape artist who channels the power and intensity of nature and emotion through her artwork.
Having grown up along the Eastern Cape coast of South Africa, Carla’s childhood was immersed in the captivating beauty of the beach and the untamed forces of the ocean. This deep connection with nature serves as the foundation for her evocative paintings. It seems fitting that Carla now resides in the beautiful coastal town of Lytham St Annes, where the familiarity of the sea helped Carla feel at home and sealed her lifelong love of the wildest elements of nature.
Carla’s first paintings were of dark, stormy, encroaching seas. Various seascapes and skyscapes followed over a period of seven years. Her captivating works have been exhibited in galleries and art shows internationally, attracting art enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Last year was a big year for Carla. Following several successful collaborations with Porsche throughout 2023, she was named a ‘Driven by Dreams’ ambassador. The campaign’s ethos centred around celebrating the bold dreamers who fearlessly pursue their passions. There was more interest from international collectors when Carla did her first solo show in the UK, Sun and Soul: Sunset Recollections and she also collaborated with Jumeirah Hotels for their clifftop hotel in Sóller, Mallorca.
In the same year, Carla moved to a larger studio at Whitehills Business Park in Blackpool, a lovely corner studio which is flooded with natural light.
Carla explains: “My work is a balance between commissions and what I want to paint. Work naturally evolves and I found around the same time I moved into my new studio, my style started to change.
“My latest body of work represents an evolution in my artistic journey, seamlessly blending traditional techniques with contemporary flair. This new series pushes the boundaries of landscape and floral art, inviting viewers to observe our relationship with nature in a new way.
“At the heart of this new approach is an innovative multi-media process. Each piece begins with an ink wash on canvas, laying a foundation that is both unpredictable and inspiring. Building upon this, I apply layers of oil paint, my signature medium, interweaving this with strategically placed spray paint elements. This fusion of techniques results in works that are unmistakably contemporary.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the interplay of different media. By introducing spray paint alongside my usual oils, I’m able to achieve a freshness and spontaneity that speaks to the organic nature of my subjects. I love it when colours unexpectedly merge or paint runs in unforeseen ways. It mirrors the unpredictability of nature itself.”
While florals and plant life feature prominently in this new series, Carla still considers these works as landscapes in essence. She explains: “Abstract elements reminiscent of skyscapes weave through the compositions, creating a sense of vast, dreamlike environments. The style is decidedly looser and more organic than my previous work, yet viewers can intuitively grasp the subject matter, hovering in a captivating space between recognition and imagination.”
In a significant departure from her earlier works, Carla has adopted a more subdued colour palette for this series. “The works are grounded in tonal and neutral hues, creating a sense of calm and introspection. However, each piece is energised by the strategic use of a single, vibrant colour, adding a dynamic focal point and emotional resonance.”
The ultimate goal with this new body of work is to evoke a sense of wonder and foster a deeper connection between viewer and art. “I want people to be initially struck by the beauty, but then be drawn in to explore further. There are hidden elements – perhaps the suggestion of a figure – that reveal themselves over time.
“This layered approach to composition serves as a metaphor for our relationship with the natural world. We’re forever intertwined with nature. I hope these pieces remind viewers of that connection and perhaps see both the landscape and themselves in a new light.”
Carla has just released a print edition – limited edition prints are available from this collection offering an accessible way to bring Carla’s artistry into your home or gift it to someone special.
Explore and acquire Carla’s original works through her curated online gallery at or through distinguished partners like Hepplestone Fine Art.
artbyraads.com
cooper-creative.co.uk
