Specialising in ocean inspired art, homeware and bespoke commissions.
I am currently working alongside Anna Wyeth, another local artist, to exhibit our own artwork in the tranquil setting of the Olesinski Courtyard, on Cowes High Street. After a very successful Cowes Week, we have taken the decision to open Saturdays, and private viewings can be arranged.
You can find us located next to the Heron Restaurant.
With thanks so our special partnership https://olesinski.co.uk/
The wonderful Aquilibrium Gallery only stock local Isle of Wight artists, and they are based on the National Trust Duver, making it a truly special visit.
Willow Art area at Aquilibrium Gallery in Bembridge, Isle of Wight
Olive loves Oliver
My dog Olive loves to come to drop off stock, and loves Oliver the campervan
During a period of isolation I taught my son the ways of the wave, and I think he did exceptionally well
Excited to announce that my artwork will now also be available at the wonderful Kendalls Fine Art Gallery in Cowes, Isle of Wight.
Kendalls Fine Art Gallery can be found on the Parade in Cowes, overlooking the Solent.
I can hardly keep up with the Jellyfish love, my jellyfish mug design sold out super fast, my luxury velvet cushions are really popular in the jellyfish design and I have had loads of original commissions. Thanks for the JELLY love everyone.
Nothing to do with art today but sharing an exciting development in the Willow Art team - meet my chief paint mixologist Olive. Olive is our Vizsla, and is literally WONDERFUL.
(Although I actually keep her strictly out of my art studio)
“Woof woof thanks for letting me be part of the gang”
Well 2020 feels like the longest year ever, combined with a very fast summer. I also feel I have aged a lot. Anyone else contending with kids at home during lockdown, combined with working full time, will definitely know the pain. But we also had some wonderful special times (including enjoying time by the firepit). One thing that has kept me sane this year is my art, and I know loads of other people that feel the same.
I am so thankful for my children who are my biggest art business fans, and my best buddies. They are always encouraging me to do more, they believe in me and are so sweet. They love doing art too, and I love watching them express themselves in such different ways to each other. They push me to try new ideas, and I never say no to them when they are trying to push me to be creative - as I want them to believe that they can do whatever they want to do in life.
“I tell my kids to go for it, try their best and be creative - so I must lead by example!”
In August... I sold my highest number of original commissions. These paintings have predominantly been sold to lovely UK customers, but I have also sent artwork to customers in US, Spain, Australia and Mexico.
Maybe it’s a sign of the times, people finally escaping buying from lifeless online mega brands, an appreciation of art, or maybe people just want to support small business.
Either way I am in the mood for saying a massive thank you (with my lobster buddy).
Willow Art was asked to exhibit and sell works at the wonderful Aquilibrium Gallery in Bembridge on the Isle of Wight. And of course on meeting the owners, and seeing the Gallery I said ABSOLUTELY it would be an honour.
It is a charming gallery, perfectly positioned on the Duver, belonging to National Trust, and overlooking Bembridge Harbour. With my sea creature vibe - it feels pretty special to be part of it - kinda like it was meant to be.
Island folks and visitors enjoy taking a walk, and popping into to view local artists work - including me now, which is VERY exciting. Thanks to owners Jubee and Will for welcoming me to the artistic fold.
Opening my exhibition in July 2020
Has anyone else noticed bees are so happy this year? In our garden we have left a patch of our grass with flowers all over, we have planted some wild flowers in our vegetable patch, and we have some wonderful New Zealand christmas flowers that they absolutely go crazy for. I really love bees, I always have - I even used to have a ‘pet’ bee as a child (don’t ask, it clearly wasn’t the same bee but I thought it was!) And as we all know, without bees we would be a tad stuck. So love them, give them some flowers, avoid using weed killer (as it kills them) and show them the respect they deserve. I paint a lot of bee commissions, because everyone else I think also loves bees as much as me. I am looking into suppliers for bee kitchenware with my artwork, which is mega exciting. I have also started selling bee card blanks, which have literally been flying out my stock! I have A6 postcard blank packs of 5, mini cards packs of 10 and square singles.
Since lockdown began, I have never experienced a busier time - I have felt like a bee! Two children at home, both myself and my husband with full time jobs, plus my art commissions have rocketed. I am of course thankful of a few things, that I have a job, that the sun hasn’t stopped shining and that we all have our health. But it doesn’t stop me also feeling overwhelmed by it all. Thank you for all your support and purchases, shopping and supporting local artists, means we have a little smile on our face everyday. It is like a ray of sunshine, for us busy bees.
Stay safe, and well.
I often paint about the life under the seas, because they are mysterious and beautiful. Our seas, marine life, the countryside and nature, is something we need to become custodians of, not users of.
It can feel a little hopeless, as a bystander to the systems we are living in. But if we all felt like that, then nothing would ever change. We need to embrace positive mindset towards solutions, and drive those in everything we do. Be advocates for those that need our protection.
I love and support the Wildlife Trusts, who work with fishermen, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of Living Seas where marine wildlife thrives. Essential to this is a network of Marine Conservation Zones.
https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/habitats/marine
Do your own research, find your own solutions based organisations, but be positive about making change. We did create this system, so we can also redesign it, and make it much much better, to not only put life into a better balance with nature, but make us custodians of it.
I am excited to share my most popular Insta artwork, my little crabby-tastic friend. Watercolour in beautiful blues, will bring a fantastic seaside lifestyle product into your home. Looks fantastic against white/creams, blues, greys, mustard yellow and navy walls.
This original artwork was produced on a sunny day on the Isle of Wight, after a long day of sailing and jumping in and out of the sea. What better way to finish off the day, by painting my fav kind of fella.
When it comes to art I don’t believe that it is something only for the talented. I believe that art is similar to sport, anyone can do it and gain enjoyment from it, and also benefit from the medical benefits of art. Art is a wonderful way to switch our minds off, achieve relaxation and focus the mind, especially beneficial in terms of our mental health.
Haven’t done any art since your art teacher told you are better focusing on maths? Top 3 reasons to give art a go:
Art is good for your health. Art relaxes the mind, allowing your mind to focus on art means you switch off from your other worries.
Art encourages brain activity. Creating art helps to stimulate all sorts of connections between various portions of your brain.
There is no right answer. Art isn’t black and white. Art is expressive and allows you to be you, without any judgement.
Give it a go…. join a local art class…. pick up a paintbrush. You might just enjoy it.