I am an artist based in Devon, exploring botanical form, pattern, and decorative language through a daily painting practice.

My work is rooted in a love of colour, nature, and history, often drawing on floral subjects and decorative motifs to build a visual language that evolves over time.

Self-portrait of Susie Batsford, the creator of The Illustrarium, specialising in handmade art, eco-friendly stationery, and unique gifts.

Photograph of a curated selection of small inspirational items from the home of Susie Batsford, creator of The Illustrarium, thoughtfully arranged in a harmonious colour order.

Photograph of The Illustrarium creator’s desk in their studio, showcasing the workspace where handmade art and eco-friendly stationery designs come to life.

I have a particular passion for colour, nature, and history.

My work is rooted in a love of colour, nature, and history, often drawing on botanical forms and decorative traditions.

My work has a tendency to be in rich jewel-like colours often infused with florals and elements from nature. Painting is how I express the beauty that I see in our world, and I love to share that with others in the hope it might lift someone’s spirits and bring them joy! I’m particularly drawn to flowers, which I find either in the hedgerows around my home or growing in my little cottage garden, returning to them as a way of understanding both their structure and their decorative potential.

Photograph of fresh flowers picked from the garden of Susie Batsford, founder of The Illustrarium, paired with a watercolour colour swatch and art supplies, showcasing eco-friendly art inspiration.

Curated flat lay of vintage items: an antique camera, a black and white childhood portrait of The Illustrarium creator’s grandmother, a leather camera case, a photo album, string of pearls, and pink blossom, creating a nostalgic and artistic story.

Open sketchbook with a hand-drawn illustration of a girl sleeping with a unicorn, surrounded by pencils, showcasing the artistic process behind The Illustrarium’s hand-coloured art print.

My illustrations use rich jewel-like colours infused with natural elements.

I have always been drawn to making and creating. After studying art in London, I later returned to my practice following a break to raise my family, completing a BA in Fine Art & Illustration.

I now work from my home studio in the Devon countryside, where the surrounding landscape continues to inform my work.

Flat lay of an open sketchbook featuring a drawing of Virginia Woolf, a copy of her book 'Orlando,' a pencil, rubber, and pink cyclamen, with the hand-lettered message 'Diversity is Beautiful,' reflecting The Illustrarium's artistic inspiration.

Flat lay of vintage items, gemstones, nature-inspired objects, pencils, and cotton, all arranged in color coordination, reflecting The Illustrarium’s creative and eclectic inspirations.

My work is hand-rendered in pencil, watercolour & gouache.

My work begins with drawing and is developed through painting, primarily using gouache and water-based media. Each piece is hand-rendered, allowing for an intuitive and responsive approach to colour, form, and composition.

Drawing remains at the core of my practice, underpinning everything I create.

Products with my work are available from my Etsy shop

A selection of prints and products featuring my work are available via my shop.

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If you’d like to stay up to date and be the first to know about new designs and products or special offers in my shop, do sign up for my Newsletter.

Thanks so much for visiting; much of my work is available to license, and I'm always interested in new collaborations. Please do get in touch by email susie@theillustrarium.com

I am a member of Devon Artists Network, The British Craft House, and UK Craft Fairs:

Devon Artists Network

The British Craft House

UK Craft Fairs

You can also find prints of my work at Artfully Walls