February 2025, newsletter

11 Feb

Hello there,

As February settles in and the winter air lingers, I’ve been finding comfort in the quiet focus that this time of year brings. January was all about inspiration and looking ahead; now, I’m diving into projects, embracing fresh inspiration, and, of course, braving the elements here in The Lake District!

Studio Updates: Works in Progress & What’s Next
I’ve been deep in the studio so far this month, continuing work on my largest commission to date (more on that soon!). The process has been both exciting and challenging (requiring a studio rearrangement to have space to work around all sides of the canvas!). I can’t wait to see the final piece come to life.
I’m also forming ideas for a new collection, which I hope to release later this year and which has an exciting element in terms of how/where it will be displayed! It’s still in the early stages, but more to come later in the year on that.

What’s Inspiring Me This Month
During January, I was lucky enough to have a trip to Sri Lanka. It had been a long-time planned, and my goodness it did not disappoint. The amount of wildlife, and exotic Sri Lankan greenery which we got to immerse ourselves in was so inspiring. Exotic palms, tropical blooms, and watching in awe as we witnessed Leopards, Elephants, Whales and so much more moving freely in the wild. It was very uplifting, and I felt so in-awe. It is also of course not a trip without some quick sketches, clearing the mind and taking pen to paper. The perfect start to the year for bringing inspiration and focus back into the studio with me!

Planning Ahead: The Sophie Tea Residency
Last month, I shared the news of my upcoming residency with Sophie Tea Art in London. While it’s still not confirmed as to when it will be, I’ve been prepping by pooling ideas together about how I may want to push the boundaries and experiment within my practice during the time. I’m also looking forward to meeting the other 4 artists based across the world who will be part of this experience; collaboration and conversation always bring a fresh perspective.

Art & Nature: February in The Lake District

This season always reminds me of the beauty in stillness. Frost-covered landscapes, golden morning light, and the subtle shifts in nature before spring awakens, it all feeds into my creative process. While winter in The Lakes can be unpredictable, there’s something magical about the misty fells and icy reflections on the water. I recently took a walk near Red Screes and the colors were breathtaking; soft pinks, cool blues, and deep shadows. Inspiration from moments like this often find their way into my paintings in unexpected ways.

Worth a Watch

If you enjoyed my 2024 recap video which I shared with you last month, you might like this “chatty” video where I share an idea - inspired by our trip to Sri Lanka - for a one-off artwork commission or two. You can find it on here my Instagram or TikTok. If this idea does resonate with you on any level then I’d love to know!

That’s all for this month, thank you for reading! Let me know what you’d love to hear more about in future updates, whether it’s process insights, behind-the-scenes moments, or upcoming exhibitions.

Wishing you a wonderful February,

Charlotte