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

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

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