Biographie Fiona McLean, of British nationality, was born in 1961. In 2002 she moved from England to 'La Drome' region in France where she has remained since. Statement I have been encouraged to take an experimental approach to Fine Art and as a result, for my degree, I specialised in performance and text based work. However, after leaving University I concentrated on learning the technique of painting. In discovering I could communicate my ideas with oil painting I have, consistently worked with this medium. My mother’s determination and passion, as an artist, has inspired me. While living in France, I have been motivated by the beauty of the country to paint churches, villages, trees, and cafes, as well as familiar objects like kitchen utensils. During the last three years I have concentrated on interiors and am working on a series based on chairs. Chairs symbolise to me a transition, we can take a pause in the day to reflect, rest or wait for a person, or an event to happen. Drawing forms an essential part in the creation of a painting. I use a drawing as a reference. I paint or draw my subject, in detail, from life. Oil paints are my chosen medium as they endure and they also enable me to work on the painting over several weeks. My approach is figurative. I have always chosen themes which have a personal meaning. Painting is a journey for me and each painting is a step forwards on that journey.