Over the past few weeks, there have been some lovely developments in my work, and it feels as though a new chapter is beginning.
After spending much of this year developing a more cohesive collection of original paintings, I am delighted to share that my work is now represented by Lantic Gallery in Tiverton.
Joining Lantic Gallery
Lantic is a beautiful independent gallery showing work by artists and makers from across the South West, and it is a real honour to see my paintings displayed there alongside the work of so many talented artists.
The paintings currently at the gallery are part of my developing botanical collection, painted in acrylic gouache on handmade paper. Each piece begins with close observation of seasonal flowers before being developed through colour, pattern and decorative borders.
This collection has grown from a period of experimentation and play in the studio, during which I have been exploring how botanical forms can sit alongside influences from folk art, medieval illumination and historic decorative traditions.
Seeing the paintings framed and displayed together at Lantic has been a particularly special moment. After working on them quietly in my Devon studio, it is wonderful to know that they can now be viewed in person.
Selected for the Devon Open Studios Emerging Artist Exhibition
I am also very pleased to have been selected for the Devon Open Studios Emerging Artist Exhibition at Thelma Hulbert Gallery in Honiton.
The exhibition brings together a selected group of artists taking part in Devon Open Studios and will run from 12 September to 24 October 2026.
It feels especially meaningful to be included in an exhibition connected with Devon Open Studios, as becoming part of the Devon Artist Network has encouraged me to think more seriously about the direction of my practice and how I present my work.
I am currently deciding which paintings to include and will be sharing more about the exhibition and the work selected for it closer to September.
Recent Summer Events
Alongside these gallery developments, I have also enjoyed taking my work out into the world at two recent summer events.
In June, I joined The Somerset Collective at Jordan’s Courtyard, followed by the Ashley Court Summer Fayre in July.
It was lovely to meet visitors, talk about the inspiration and process behind the paintings, and see which pieces people were naturally drawn towards. Events like these give me a valuable opportunity to step away from the studio and hear how others respond to the work.
They have also helped me to see more clearly how my original paintings sit alongside my collection of prints, cards and illustrated pieces. Increasingly, I feel that the original paintings are becoming the heart of The Illustrarium, with the printed collection growing naturally from them.
Thank you to everyone who stopped to talk, bought something or simply spent time looking through the work. Those conversations and moments of encouragement mean a great deal to a small independent artist.
Paintings Available Directly From My Studio
A small selection of original paintings will shortly be available directly from my studio and has not yet been added to my online shop.
These include individually hand-painted botanical pieces in acrylic gouache on handmade paper, each surrounded by its own decorative border.
Please email me at susie@theillustrarium.com if you would like to receive photographs, dimensions, and prices for the available work.
Looking Ahead
The next few months will be focused on preparing for the exhibition at Thelma Hulbert Gallery and continuing to develop this new body of work.
I am looking forward to creating more paintings inspired by seasonal flowers, gardens and the Devon countryside, while continuing to explore the colour, pattern and historical decorative influences that have gradually become central to my practice.
I’ll be sharing my progress on Instagram if you’d like to follow along.
Thank you, as always, for following along and supporting my work. I am very grateful to everyone who visits the website, comes to an event, shares my paintings or chooses to bring one of my pieces into their home.
