Into The Artist's world with Holly Brown

This month we have Devon based artist, Holly Brown. Enjoy…..

 

What are you reading at the moment?

I’m reading Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. It’s gritty, gripping, and beautifully written — I can’t put it down.

 

 

Are you a podcast listener or music whilst you work? Or perhaps you prefer silence? Anything you’ve loved listening to recently?

I always listen to music while I paint. I can’t have anything with voices or narration — it’s too distracting — so I tend to listen to a lot of hang drum or handpan music. My go-to is Malte Marten, who has these incredible two-hour-long meditative sessions that create the perfect atmosphere for painting.

 

 

When are you most creative? A certain time of day or year?

I have three children, so I’ve had to learn to be creative whenever time allows! I’m not sure I even know what my naturalcreative rhythm is anymore — it’s all about grabbing those windows of opportunity when they appear. That said, I always feel a rush of inspiration when travelling. Being somewhere new, surrounded by different colours, light, and culture, really sparks my creativity.

 

 

Who’s work inspires you and why? Tell me 5 of your favourite artists/makers/designers.

Alice Mumford’s work is a huge inspiration for me. She’s a still-life painter from Devon, and I did a course with her a few years ago — her approach is so beautiful, soft, and full of feeling.

I love Sammi Lynch’s dreamy landscapes and her use of limited colour palettes — they have such a quiet strength.

I’ll always come back to Monet. His Water Lilies are endlessly inspiring — the way he captures light and atmosphere through layers of brushwork is just breathtaking.

Pierre Bonnard’s use of colour and light also fascinates me. His paintings seem to glow from within, and I often revisit my books on him for inspiration.

And Jemma Powell — her whimsical, light-filled paintings are a joy. I admire the way she captures the essence of a place rather than just depicting it.

 

 

What’s your relationship with nature? Do you draw inspiration from the natural world? How and where?

Nature feels almost like a faith to me. The natural world is endlessly beautiful, and it’s my greatest source of inspiration. I paint from observation, so spending time outdoors — really looking — is essential to my process. It feels like such a privilege to sit, observe, and paint the world around me. Being immersed in nature also grounds me completely; it regulates my nervous system like nothing else.

 

 

Where have you been in the world that inspired your work? When have you had an adventure that fuelled your work? Where did you go? Who were you with? What did you do/why was it so interesting or stimulating?

My first major collection was inspired by a trip to The Gambia, on the west coast of Africa. It was an explosion of colour, light, and life — so vibrant and full of energy. It was also the first time I began painting figures engaged in everyday tasks like gardening or washing clothes.

I travelled with my family, and it was exhilarating to be immersed in a culture so different from my own. Everything — the people, the atmosphere, the colours — felt inspiring. That trip resulted in 40 paintings, which became my first online exhibition. I was nervous about how the work would be received, but it sold out almost twice over. That experience gave me the confidence and motivation to keep creating collections inspired by travel and cultural experiences.

 

 

What motivates you to make your art?

Painting is how I process the world around me — it’s both a form of expression and reflection. I’m motivated by a deep desire to capture moments of stillness, light, and connection with nature and people. It’s also about emotion for me — translating a fleeting feeling or atmosphere into something lasting.

Ultimately, I paint because I need to — it’s how I make sense of things, find calm, and feel most myself.

 

 

How has becoming a mother changed your art practice?

Becoming a mother has made painting more essential than ever — it’s what keeps me grounded and sane amidst the chaos of family life. Painting brings a sense of peace and balance to an otherwise noisy household.

It’s also made me incredibly efficient. I’ve had to learn to be productive in short bursts, often working in tiny windows of time. In some ways, motherhood has made me more prolific — I’ve learned to trust my instincts and work quickly without overthinking.

 

 

Are you self-taught or did you go to art school?

I have a degree in Illustration and spent 15 years working as a children’s picture book illustrator, painting mostly in gouache. When I transitioned to oils, I was completely self-taught — I bought a basic set of paints and an easel, stood in a field, and just started painting.

Since then, I’ve taken a course with Alice Mumford and had some guidance from artist Lucy Kent, but for the most part, I’ve taught myself through experimentation and practice.

 

 

What is your favourite medium to work in and why?

I work exclusively in oils — I’m completely hooked. There’s nothing quite like the richness and depth you can achieve with oil paint. They’re so sumptuous and forgiving to work with, and Michael Harding’s pigments are my absolute favourite — the quality and luminosity are unparalleled.