Artist Profile: April Psonis
A talented realist artist, April Psonis started painting more fluidly and experimenting with abstracts during her pregnancy, where she developed her signature style featuring bold colours and powerful female figures.
Words Nichola Davies
‘Balance #2’ limited edition art print from Sibu Gallery
“I like to use distinct colours and composition in a way that captures the dynamic interplay of femininity and strength,” says April. “There’s something about these bold hues that I’m intuitively drawn to; I think they give the women in my paintings a commanding presence.”
The women in April’s artworks are described as conquerors and rule-breakers who exude a sense of inner power and unwavering confidence. They’re often portrayed wearing oversized, dramatic hats. April says the hats intuitively crept into her works as a representation of authority, elegance and individuality: “I love the way the shadow of the oversized brim invites a sense of mystery and intrigue.”
Remarkably, April is completely self-taught, but it’s a gift passed down from her grandmother, who was also self-taught “and always just tinkered away with her paintings and drawings”.
“I remember when I was around eight my mum showed me some of my grandmother’s works from when she was 13, and I was so blown away,” says April. “There were these incredible hatching drawings in ink of a woman’s face. I have this vivid memory of thinking – in my very determined nature – ‘I can, and want to, do that’.”
‘The Matriarch’ limited edition print from Sibu Gallery
April spent a lot of time developing her style and says she loves where it has led her – including her painting (pictured above) appearing on the TV show The Block. “To have my work featured was a real pinch-me moment,” she says.