This month, we’re excited to feature Victoria Kirtley, whose vibrant work brings the beauty of nature into every piece. We asked her about her inspirations, creative process, and the stories behind her art, from experimenting with bees to the mesmerising magic of gilding. Dive in for a glimpse into her colourful world and the joy that fuels her work...
Q. Where have you found inspiration lately?
A. I have always admired nature: Botanicals and wildlife feel incredibly grounding and bring such a sense of calm, so I naturally try to bring the “outside in.”
Q. Is there a piece of art or project you’re particularly excited about right now?
A. I’ve been working on bees lately. It took several attempts to get them right, but I’m absolutely over the moon with my final piece. Now that I’ve found my flow, I can’t wait to create more.
Q. What kinds of tools or references do you like to use when creating artwork?
A. I use all sorts of tools - palette knives, rags, even the other end of a paintbrush (alongside plain old brushes, of course!). I spend a lot of time outdoors simply looking and noticing the details around me - taking leaf samples and taking photos. I also love visiting places such as the RAMM museum in Exeter; they have the most incredible bug displays. And I’m part of several photography Facebook groups where talented photographers generously share their work for artistic reference.
Q. Which artists or artworks—either from your life or from art history—have influenced you, and why?
A. There are so many, but among the classics, I’d choose Matisse (especially his later cut-out period) and Gustav Klimt - for the gold, obvs!
As for contemporary artists, I really admire Giles Ward for his playful subject matter, Ashley Longshore for her sense of fun and belonging, and Emily Powell for being so bold, colourful, and confident.
Q. What advice do you have for new or aspiring artists?
A. Paint…paint as much as you can. Find what lights you up and just start. Always start. Admire & study, but don’t copy others. Be yourself and discover your own unique voice in what you love.
Q. Professionally, what has been your biggest achievement so far?
A. I’m only in my second year, but I hosted a launch event to gather feedback and ended up selling 75% of the exhibition. That was pretty wild and really gave me the confidence to carry on.
Q. What is your first memory of creating art?
A. I remember holding a crayon and scribbling on the inside of a little wooden cart (which I probably shouldn’t have done), but the colours and shapes were so beautiful and flowing - I just couldn’t help myself.
Q. How do you spend your time when you’re not creating artwork?
A. I spend as much time as possible with family and friends, or out and about. Human connection and being ‘outdoors’ is essential for the soul.
Q. What work do you most enjoy doing?
A. Gilding…whether as a contemporary background or creating cut-out shapes. There’s something so mesmerising and satisfying about it.
Q. What is your dream project?
A. I’m not sure I have just one? I have so many ideas that they keep me awake at night. Being able to create everything I envision would be the dream in itself, but possibly not achievable in my lifetime! I make art for pure self-indulgent enjoyment (and because I absolutely HAVE to) and to bring joy to others. Seeing how my work connects and brings happiness already feels like a dream. Cheesy I know. But it’s true.
Thank you to Victoria for sharing her journey, inspirations, and creative process with us. Her work is a beautiful reminder of how curiosity, observation, and a love of the natural world can be transformed into vibrant, emotive artworks that spark connection and joy.
You can explore more of Victoria’s creations on her Instagram and website, and don’t miss next month’s Artist of the Month in 2026, where we’ll celebrate another talented creator making their mark through art.