Artist Review / / Vanessa Bowman

I am thrilled to be able to share some inspirational art and design with you every Tuesday morning as Rachael's 'Art and Creative Writer'. This week, I'm featuring the lovely paintings of Vanessa Bowman. 

Vanessa is a contemporary artist working in oils and often taking still lives as her subject matter. She graduated from Winchester School of Art with a first class honours degree in Printed Textiles in 1993 and has won many awards for her work, including the Daler Rowney Young Artist of the Year.

She has a wonderful gift for capturing pattern, texture and colour in her paintings which celebrate the 'simple beauty of everyday objects'.

Have a wonderful Christmas everyone and see you for more inspiration in 2014! Justine x

Creative Review / / Julie Arkell

I am thrilled to be able to share some inspirational art and design with you every Tuesday morning as Rachael's 'Art and Creative Writer'. This week, I'm featuring the contemporary folk art of Julie Arkell.

Julie works predominantly with papier-mâché, often including textiles, embroidery and a variety of mixed media to create quirky 3D characters and accessories. She up-cycles fabrics and found objects and is inspired by old toys, books, colour and movement.

She exhibits, has a book published and teaches regular workshops at West Dean College and Loop London where you can find out more information about her work. Have a great week, Justine x

Creative Review / / Inaluxe

I am thrilled to be able to share some inspirational art and design with you every Tuesday morning as Rachael's 'Art and Creative Writer'. This week, I'm featuring the creative genius of the design team, Inaluxe.

Inaluxe is a collaboration between two Australian designers, Kristina Sostarko and Jason Odd. Their studio is based in the Grampians, Victoria where they are inspired by the natural flora and fauna around them. 

As children of the 70s they have a retro feel to their work which successfully manages to blur the lines between surface pattern design, illustration and art. Their consistently eye catching colour palettes, use of texture and clever composition make their work instantly recognisable. Definitely going on my wish list! More eye candy next Tuesday, Justine x

Artist Review / / Erin Gregory

I am thrilled to be able to share some inspirational art and design with you every Tuesday morning as Rachael's 'Art and Creative Writer'. This week, I'm featuring the floral still lives of Erin Gregory.

Erin is an American oil painter, living in Columbus, GA. She graduated from Auburn University with a BFA in 2000 and has made painting her full time career ever since.

She uses vivid colour and brushwork to capture sunlight and shadow in her work, she also exhibits and  teaches workshops in oil painting. You can find more of her vibrant work on her website, have a wonderful week, Justine x

Creative Review / / Dottie Angel

I am thrilled to be able to share some inspirational art and design with you every Tuesday morning as Rachael's 'Art and Creative Writer'. This week, I'm featuring the crafty creations of Dottie Angel.

Dottie Angel is the alter-ego of British born but now Seattle based maker, Tif Fussell. She creates fabric goodness out of vintage finds and has developed her own lifestyle brand, coined 'granny chic'. 

She is co-author of a book of the same name which has over twenty projects to help us find out 'inner granny chic crafting soul'. Tif has an inspiring blog, Facebook page and Etsy shop where she sells her hand-made wares. More next week, Justine x

Artist Review / / Annie O'Brien Gonzales

I am thrilled to be able to share some inspirational art and design with you every Tuesday morning as Rachael's 'Art and Creative Writer'. This week, I'm featuring the floral paintings of Annie O'Brien Gonzales.

Annie studied painting and art history at Oregon State University before settling in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She uses oil, acrylic, and mixed media to create expressive spontaneous images inspired by nature.

Annie offers painting workshops in her hometown and you can find out more about her events and forthcoming exhibitions on her website. Have a lovely week, Justine x