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 / / 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 / / Este MacLeod

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 gorgeous paintings of Este MacLeod.

Este is a British painter and applied artist living in Berkshire. Her paintings often explore simplified, domestic still lives which are subtly distorted into a flattened perspective. She uses complimentary colours, layered paint and a variety of scraping techniques to add texture to her work.

As an Arts Council England advisor, Este promotes art in the community in addition to exhibiting and accepting commissions. You can see more of her work on her website. P.S. many thanks also go to Carolyn Gavin (one of my favourite 'pinners') for alerting me to Este's work through Pinterest. More next week! Justine x

Artist Review: Sandy Graeser Haynes

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 colourful work of artist, Sandy Graeser Haynes.

Sandy is a retired art teacher who, since September 11th 2010, has set herself the challenge of completing a painting a day. She creates daily observational still lives using oils in order to loosen her painting style and develop creative discipline.

Her work is not only beautiful but her appealing colour choices also offer great a source of reference for designers and artists alike. It would be fun to create some palettes from the images below.

Sandy's blog candidly documents her creative process and even shows some amendments (see the two images with different background colours below.) More creative inspiration next week, Justine x

Artist Review: Kaffe Fassett

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 paying tribute to the creative genius that is Kaffe Fassett.

Kaffe was a native of San Francisco until he moved to London in 1964 to paint. He has since become one of the world's most prolific textile designers and has been honoured as Britain's greatest colourist by the Colour Group (Great Britain) who awarded him the prestigious Turner Medal earlier this year. 

Whichever medium Kaffe works with, be it textiles, ceramics, needlepoint, patchwork, painting or knitting, his signature style is evident through his vibrant use of colour. His professional achievements during his 50 year career are too many to mention and his influence continues to inspire through his many published books, exhibitions and workshops.

Over 100 pieces of Kaffe's work will be exhibited at the Fashion and Textile Museum from 22nd March (this Friday) - 29th June 2013. ‘Kaffe Fassett – A Life in Colour’ is a celebration of the work of one of the great practitioners of contemporary craft.' 

Kaffe Fassett was the first textile designer I was introduced to at school by my teacher who was a massive fan of his work. I wasn't aware he produced such amazing paintings though so to find these on his website was great, just goes to show that his talent knows no limits which is a lesson to us all. More arty inspiration next Tuesday - have a great week! Justine x

Blue and White on Bark Cloth

Cups and Saucers on Beige

Black Temple Jar

Dahlias in Pink Teapot

Ginger Jar Series Green Still Life

Ginger Jar Series Yellow Still Life

Pot Tapestry Sketch

Red Blue and White

Roses Galore

Swirling Stripes