Artist Review / / Jennifer Mercede

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 whimsical art of Jennifer Mercede.

Jennifer is a Portland based artist with a BA in painting. She loves to doodle and this free flowing, spontaneous style is evident in her work which is inspired by abstract expressionism, graffiti and naive art.

Jennifer works in acrylic, watercolour pencils and pen and aims to uplift the viewer with her art which often includes written messages. She licenses her work and also has some available in her Etsy store. More inspiration next Tuesday, Justine x

Artist Review / / Ekaterina Koroleva

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 watercolour illustrations of Ekaterina Koroleva.

Ekaterina is a Russian born graphic designer and illustrator, now based in Berlin. She works with watercolour inks to create quirky portraits with a contemporary edge, often depicting women with an elusive, mysterious quality.

She works freelance illustrating for magazines and has a portfolio online where you can find out more about her work. Have a lovely week! Justine x

Creative Review / / Louise Gardiner

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, we're featuring the contemporary embroidery of Louise Gardiner.

Louise is a British illustrator and artist based in Styal, Cheshire.  She grew up on her family's dairy farm and is well known for the quirky characters and creatures that she embroiders, appliqués and paints on to fabric. She has an impressive client list including Liberty of London and Selvedge magazine and taught Kirstie Allsopp free motion embroidery on her show, 'Kirstie's Homemade Home'.

She has recently developed her intricate work into digitally printed silk scarves, luxurious cushions and beaded quilts which she will be exhibiting at this weeks Tent London exhibition running from Thursday to Sunday. If you pop along, Lou promises there will be a welcome tipple of sherry to greet you! More inspiration next Tuesday, Justine x

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Artist Review / / Tiffany Calder Kingston

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, we're featuring the beautiful paintings of Tiffany Calder Kingston.

Tiffany is an Australian artist, born in Melbourne and now living in Byron Bay. After working for 15 years as a commercial artist and designer, she decided to rediscover her love of painting and now takes her creative inspiration from the natural environment.

She likes to explore the relationship that both primitive and present day cultures have with nature and produces work for private commissions and galleries throughout Australia. Her wonderful eye for colour, composition and texture is evident in her paintings and you can see lots more on her website. Have a great week, Justine x

Artist Review: Vanessa Cooper

I am thrilled to be able to share some inspirational art with you every Tuesday morning as Rachael's new 'Art and Creative Writer'. This week, we're featuring the contemporary art of Vanessa Cooper.

Vanessa is a Hampshire based artist who's been exhibiting her paintings since 1987. She works mainly in oils, sometimes using gouache and sculpture in work which is often inspired by nature and family life.

I love the naive, flattened perspectives and folk art styling, along with the lovely colour choices which give such vitality and charm to this work. Have a beautiful week! Justine x

Artist Review: Batya Cavens

I am thrilled to be able to share some inspirational art with you every Tuesday morning as Rachael's new 'Art and Creative Writer'. This week, we're featuring the mixed media collages of Batya Cavens.

Batya grew up and worked in Tel Aviv, Israel before moving to Canada in 2002. She previously had her own  studio producing a wide array of clothes, accessories and home furnishings but now concentrates on creating art.

She has an urban graffiti/street art style created with layers of collage and naive, expressive painted motifs. Her work is available for sale at Saatchi Online and she has a website with more work and details of her exhibitions here. Have an inspirational week, Justine x