We're back with another edition to our Artist of the Month blog series! We are really enjoying showcasing these amazing artists and we hope you are too. From oil paintings to pencil drawings and everything else in between, we guarantee you'll find something to admire and be inspired by.
This month, we are thrilled to introduce you to Devon-based illustrator and pattern designer Jade Holly Design! We have been in touch with Jade and asked some questions to find out more about her and her dreamy designs...
Q. Where have you found inspiration lately?
A. Outside in the garden and going on lots of walks with my toddler. This year is the first time I’ve started gardening, me and my partner have become kinda obsessed with growing and buying flowers so I’ve been really inspired by that and the garden is now full of colourful flowers and veg patches. Also watching my little boy being fascinated by the smallest things and seeing the world through his eyes has definitely influenced my paintings inspired by nature.
Q. Is there a piece of art or a project that you are particularly excited about right now?
A. Aside from painting flowers I’ve been working on a collection of music inspired prints, especially Harry Styles. I’m a big fan of his music and recently went to on of his love on tour gigs - the atmosphere was incredible just pure happiness and kindness in one very big room. So I’m looking forward to making more for that collection but along side that I’m also painting a collection of Birth Flower prints. This is the first collection I’ve painted traditionally with gouache so I’m looking forward to seeing them all together.
Q. What kinds of tools or references do you like to use when creating artwork?
A. Recently I’ve been practicing more with gouache, especially love acrylic gouache. However usually I work on digitally using procreate on my iPad.
Q. What artists or artworks (from your life or art history) do you admire or consider influential to your work &why?
A. I don’t think my art is particularly influenced by another artist, however there lots of artists I really admire. One of which is Nathalie Lété - her artwork is very playful and whimsical and I love how she’s covered the walls and furniture of her house with her lovely paintings.
Mona K (@ghostpuff on instagram) creates the most magical illustrations - they’re really textural and she has a really consistent style and colour palette.
And finally I’ve recently got back into sketch booking so I’ve been watching Leigh Ellexson and Sophie McPike who both have amazing sketchbooks with lots of techniques and great colour palettes, they both make me want to be more experimental with my work.
Q. What advice do you have for other new or aspiring artists?
A. Just be consistent, practice a little bit each day and experiment with different materials and techniques til you find your own style.
Q. Professionally, hat has been your biggest achievement so far?
A. Running my small business and being a mum at the same time! I’m really proud that I’ve managed to work on my business consistently whilst being with my toddler pretty much 24/7. It definitely motivates you to use time more efficiently within those small time slots of naps and evenings. It can be tiring at times but I’m so grateful to be able to do this as my job.
Q. What is your first memory of creating art?
A. First memory was painting a little angel Christmas decoration probably when I was around 4/5 years old- I still have it somewhere!
But one memory that really sticks out, is when I was around 7 years old there was a art competition and my best friend at the time completely copied my painting and ended up winning. Kinda still bitter about that haha!
Q. How do you spend your time when you’re not creating artwork?
A. Other than packing orders and all the admin work like replying to emails, making social media posts etc... all my time is spent looking after my toddler, going on long walks and spending time in nature. On the weekends we really love visiting gardens and national trust places - they’re always really inspiring.
Q. What work do you most enjoy doing?
A. At the moment I’m really enjoying painting with acrylic gouache and working in my sketchbook.
Q. What is your dream project?
A. Illustrating a children’s book!
It's been a real pleasure getting to know more about Jade and learning about her life and work! You can find out more about Jade and explore her wonderful artwork on Instagram.
Stay tuned for next month's Artist of the Month in August!