Realistic still life artwork captivates community passing by Southsea shop window's pop-up exhibition in Marmion Road

Oil paintings of strawberries and an intricate cake created by 22-year-old Dominique Warren adorn the front window of 7 Marmion Road, which currently lies empty. It was Tina’s Boutique for 30 years and a Rowans Hospice shop for 20 years.

Dominique, who lives in Emsworth, is a passionate artist who produces photorealistic still life paintings, often of much-loved food items.

Creativity has been flowing throughout lockdown for Dominique, who has created around 50 artworks in the past nine months.

She was over the moon when family friend Tina Morgan offered up her shop front while waiting for a new tenant.

Dominique, who works in hospitality, said: ‘I thought what an incredible opportunity to reach a different area of people who aren’t online and you can see it in person.

‘While I’m at home it’s a good time for me to create art. I feel lucky enough to have something I can do every day without fail.’

Her work has attracted attention from passersby and will hopefully entertain and inspire local people out for a walk during lockdown.

Building owner Tina, whose mum ran a children’s clothes shop in the store for more than 30 years, said: ‘It’s capturing people’s attention, she’s tremendously talented.’

The exhibition is set to be changed regularly to feature different collections of Dominique’s works, including a selection of jelly images.

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The ex-Portsmouth Grammar School student said: ‘All the art I produce is something people can relate to, it doesn’t have deep meaning and you don’t have to feel confused looking at it.

‘I think it’s so important to show what you can do to other people so they can get inspired and create things themselves, especially as we go into this lockdown.

‘I have only been to one gallery this whole year, window art takes everyone back to a sense of normality but it’s safe.’

Dominique, who aspires to take on a full time career with her artwork, said her paintings can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to create.

She added: ‘It’s a process and you have time to reflect while you’re painting it. It’s not a quick job. It brings me so much satisfaction and joy.’

To see more of Dominique’s creations, find her on Instagram @dwarren_art or visit dominiquewarren.co.uk

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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