Q. What does a typical day look like to you?

My days vary throughout the week, juggling a busy family life, I try to start my day with plenty of coffee! We have a young dog who loves going on long walks so we usually head off into the woods behind our home. Being surrounded by trees has an instant calming effect and sets you up for the whole day ahead. I take a lot of photographs on my walks which I will often come back to at a much later time when painting. The way the light filters through the leaves of the trees is fascinating to me. Recently, I have moved to a new studio space in which I am currently getting settled in. I work fast, in many layers, often on paper and panels. Nature and in particular botanicals have always been my prime subject and I couldn’t imagine not having some link of the natural world in my paintings. 

Q. Tell us about the story behind your art? 

Having lived in the countryside for most of my life, the strong influence of the natural world in my work is quite obvious. My mother was a keen gardener and after having children myself, I have also taken to gardening. The more time I spend in nature, surrounded by vivid coloured plants and flowers, the more inspired I feel. As a child, I used to spend hours drawing and playing with collage. It has always been what brings me the most joy and stillness. My great uncle was an acclaimed Sculptor and I have fond memories of sitting with him learning how to shape flower petals from clay and drawing animals, observing details and movement. 

Q. We know much of your work is inspired by the countryside that surrounds your home in Oxfordshire - what are some of your favourite spots?

We live outside Henley-on-Thames so the river is dear to our heart. In the summer, we often take the Kayak out on the river. The stillness of the water is always calming. We are quite an active family and enjoy our walks on weekends. The Chilterns provide an unlimited number of breathtaking walks. Our favourite lunch spot all year round is the ‘The Barn’ at Turville Heath.

What are some of your favourite flowers in your garden and surrounding meadows to paint?

We have recently landscaped our garden which was a true labour of love. I feel deeply connected to this space after having planted each flower with my own hands. My favourite flower to paint from the meadows is the wild Orchid, in the woodlands it would have to be the Foxgloves. In my garden, my favourites to paint are Gaura and Crocosmia. 

Q. What do you love most about what you do? 

For me it’s the play, having fun with a variety of materials, creating a layered and textured composition.

Q. Where do you find your creativity? 

I am always drawn to being outdoors, walking forest paths, swimming in the ocean, it is the meditation in movement which provides me with a balance between focus and play. Nature provides us peace and quiet, a refuge from our busy lives. Nature is always there, we just have to allow ourselves to be part of it. My work often shows organic shapes, plants swaying in the wind, vivid colours changing throughout the seasons. It is the movement which I am interested in. My cut paper collages are the complete opposite, Floral Still lifes in Vases, a reminder of home, stillness and rest.

 Q. Which artists do you admire and take inspiration from?

It’s hard to limit myself to a handful of artists I take inspiration from. Any visual art inspires me, whether it’s Ceramics, Printmaking Sculpture or Photography. There are several contemporary painters I like to refer to such as Alex Katz, Jane Freilicher and Mitchell Johnson. Frances Palmer and Jane White for Ceramics. I am also incredibly fascinated by Japanese Woodblock printing such as Hokusai’s work or Carol Summer’s colourful prints. 

Q. What are you working on at the moment? 

As we are coming into high summer, I am continuing my Botanical works, drawing more outdoors. The Foxgloves and Salvias are in flower at the moment so it’s a busy time for me!

Q. What advice would you give to someone looking to invest in a piece of art? 

I believe in a mixture of styles and sizes. It will allow you to give your home a story, make a house feel like home. I also like moving artwork around to see how differently light can fall onto a surface and expose new textures and colours. An investment in art is what speaks to your heart and soul. If you are looking at a piece of art most days, it should be pleasing to the eye but equally interesting.

Q. As an interiors brand, we’d love to hear about your personal interiors style. Can you describe your home in a few words? 

Our home is a cottage nestled in a valley surrounding fields and woodlands. I like taking greens and blues and mixing these with natural fabrics such as cotton and linen. Patterns are often stripes in our house, seen on cushions and lampshades. 

Q. What makes a house a home for you? 

An eclectic mix of artwork, photographs, blankets and lots of flowers. 

Q. What are your favourite Birdie Fortescue pieces? 

The Jute and Suzani Rugs are my all time favourite. The Romanian Ceramics are stunning handmade pieces. The Cotton Mache Vases I have learnt hold water for several hours and can be dried before using them again, so clever! Birdie’s taste in Antiques is incredible and she offers some stunning pieces to compliment the collections. The embroidered Napkins are a classic investment.