Artist Review / / Elaine Pamphilon

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 still life paintings of Elaine Pamphilon.

Elaine is a painter and harpist living and working in St. Ives, Cornwall. She enjoys painting everyday objects, patterned fabrics, souvenirs and scenes observed during her walks around the Cornish coastline and works on canvas, paper and board using mixed media.

There's a lovely naive quality to her work which shows some influences from her predecessor, St. Ives artist, Alfred Wallis. I love Elaine's use of narrative and the eye catching colour combinations. You can find out about her work and exhibitions on her website. More inspiration next week, Justine x

Artist Review: Tracy McGuinness-Kelly

I am thrilled to be able to share some inspirational art with you every Tuesday morning as Rachael's  'Art and Creative Writer'. This week, we're featuring the work of Tracy McGuiness-Kelly.

Tracy is a British artist whose background lies heavily in illustration. She writes, “The way I perceive my work is striving to tap into my childhood subconscious, trying to remember those feelings, thoughts and dreams, whilst simultaneously utilizing my adult artistic experience and editing skills". 

She lived in America for 16 years, working for Hallmark Cards, where she created award winning illustration and design. Later, as a freelance illustrator, her clients included; Starbucks, Nickelodeon T.V, American Girl, Unicef, Time Warner, Galison Books, and Little Brown Publishing amongst others. 

Tracy has since had her own series of children's books entitled, ‘BAD CAT’ published and these have received critical acclaim in the U.S, Japan and S.Korea. You can find out more about her interesting work on her website.

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: Nathaniel Mather

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 folk art of Nathaniel Mather.

Nathanial is a Californian, now living in Nashville, who studied at the California Institute of the Arts and Art Center College of Design. His paintings and illustrations have a primitive quality blended with a rich spiritual symbolism, expressing his need to process life's struggles. Horses and donkeys symbolise "the strength and beauty of God" whilst "birds and flowers represent human characteristics and emotions."

He uses water-based mediums on canvas or board and incorporates text, stamps and found objects into his work. I love the naive, almost graffiti style which contains so much devotion to his spiritual beliefs. More beautiful inspiration next week! Until next Tuesday, Justine x