About

About me

I was born into an artistically inclined family in Switzerland, with a grandfather who was also a painter. As a teenager, I explored the world of digital painting, fascinated by internet culture. However, it was at the age of 17 that I discovered a profound connection with oil painting, a passion that has continued to this day.

Before enrolling in an art school, my educational journey started with a combination of art history and computer science, which provided a unique perspective. Living in various European countries, including Switzerland, France, England, and Italy, exposed me to diverse art styles and cultures, enriching my work.

In the early stages of my career, I experimented with various mediums, particularly exploring the fusion of digital and traditional approaches. This period of interdisciplinary practice allowed me to develop my own artistic process and voice. In 2021, I felt the need to return to my roots and my love for oil painting. As a result I made the decision to move to Italy in order to study the craft of oil painting, inspired by the old masters.

Currently, I work between Switzerland and Italy, engaging in commissioned projects while preparing for art shows. My work reflects the influence of different cultures and the blending between digital and traditional elements.

CV

Clélia Dumas (*1989, Fribourg, CH)
Lives and work in Fribourg (CH) and Florence (IT)

Studies

  • 2021-2023 Angel Academy of Arts, Florence, IT
  • 2013-2016 BA Visual Arts, Hochschule der Kunste, Bern, CH
  • 2015 BA Fine Arts, Winchester School of Art – University of Southampton, Winchester, UK (Erasmus exchange)
  • 2010-2013 BA Art History/Computer science, University of Fribourg, CH

Exhibitions

  • 2016 Post Warm Positive, Kunsthaus Langenthal, CH
  • 2015 Clélia Dumas et Farzane Yaqubinia, Le Tunnel, Fribourg, CH
  • – WSA BA 2015, Bargehouse, London, UK
What I do
I work on commission for a large number of genre and subjects...​

I work with both live models and/or photographs for portrait painting. Both natural and artificial light can be used. It’s important to consider that working with some elements of shadows is easier than working in full light, which aligns with my style. I’m also capable of creating a portrait of your pet.

My favorite genre is to work with a combination of references and imagination. My background in illustration and concept art provides me with the technical knowledge required. The possibilities are limitless, and this includes the incorporation of fantasy elements.

While I primarily work en plein air, I’m also adept at working from photographs and imagination. Painting outdoors is incredibly rewarding, but it can be somewhat limiting in terms of the final touches and format. Therefore, a combination of plein air work and studio work is possible.

I work with perishables and objects, using the sight size technique. My inspiration often stems from classical compositions against dark backgrounds, although any approach is possible. The time required for selecting and arranging the right objects and composition needs to be considered when estimating the time of the realization.

Contact

Contact me to discuss your painting needs. Let’s bring your dream artwork to life!

  • dumasclelia(at)gmx.ch
  • Fribourg (CH), Florence (IT)