A NEWLYN painter has been revealed as the “ghost artist” behind work feature in a major film release. Iona Sanders created work that would stand in as the oeuvre of Michaela Coel’s character Lori Butler in artworld drama The Christophers.

Filmed in London and directed by Steven Soderbergh, the picture features Ian McKellen as retired, cynical artist Julian Sklar, whose estranged children (played by James Corden and Jessica Gunning) hire talented, reclusive painter Lori to finish his abandoned masterpieces in secret for financial gain.

Iona Sanders’ work is strongly influenced by the Cornish coast and native landscape, and she is known for her expressive brushwork, vibrant colour and relaxed, intuitive style. She works mainly in acrylic, oil, pastel and mixed media.

An artist in his own right and a major art lover, Soderbergh requested that ‘real’ artists were found to create key pieces and background studio art, rather than using a traditional art provision company. Artist Barnaby Gorton, who provided paintings for the Harry Potter film series, was selected to provide Julian Sklar’s work, including ‘The Christophers’ themselves. However, for the character of Lori, the producers were seeking a more colourful and contemporary artist.

Set decorator and fellow artist Kimmy Hussey proposed Iona, having met her through the renowned St Ives School of Painting and Penwith Gallery. She was selected from a number of painters; Soderbergh chose several works from her back catalogue as well as commissioning a larger version of an abstract piece called Untitled #7, which is a key feature of the character’s work throughout the film.

Set decorators also took photos of Iona’s Newlyn studio to use as inspiration for Lori’s work space, and invited her to spend a day on set in London, using her own painting kit, overalls, pots, tablecloths and accessories to ‘dress’ Lori’s studio space. Iona wrote on the chalkboard and created a major number of sketches and in-development pieces on paper and on the walls, ensuring every detail portrayed the authenticity and lived-in quality of a West Cornwall working artist's environment.

“This whole process has been so inspiring and quite thrilling, and I am so grateful to have been put forward for this unique opportunity,” said Iona. “To be selected was exhilarating, not only to have my work in the film, but because of the authenticity commitment of Steven Soderbergh and the team to the detail of real working artists and their creative practices.

“To be given the opportunity to ensure ‘my’ Newlyn studio was fully recreated - to take my own paints, paintbrushes and studio set-up to London, and respond to the set decorator’s brief in the space - was such an enjoyable experience.”

Iona continued: “It’s been so intriguing to see all the behind-the-scenes work and decision making that goes into not only the selection of the various artists and the pieces that appear on screen, but also the artistic set creation and all the totally realistic detailing. I’m hopeful that other future opportunities will result and so grateful to have been involved.”

The Christophers is on full release and Iona Sanders is available for gallery visits and commissions.