Some artists spend years searching for their style. Anna Blatman found hers by doing the one thing most of us find hardest… being completely herself. The paintings she creates are warm, nostalgic artworks that are instantly recognisable.
Anna’s paintings have a way of stopping you in your tracks. And once you see Anna’s work, you’ll understand exactly what we mean.
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Anna’s artistic journey began with a paintbrush and an ease of independence.
“My creative journey started 34 years ago with a casual paint session with my mother’s friend,” Anna recalls. “Six months later and I was ready to go it alone.
“At the time I thought, I’ve got the hang of this by now! I was always very independent. I laugh at the arrogance and I suppose drive I had at the ripe old age of 26!
“The impressionists were my first love and remain a guiding influence to this day. They have that free, feeling-forward approach and that style is woven throughout everything I create.
“Think loose florals bursting with colour, birds, garden scenes and quiet moments that somehow feel deeply familiar.”
Anna’s art has a very distinct, bold and colourful style about it.
“I would describe my style as a modern impression of how I see the world around me,” she says. “It’s quite naive and I always thought that if I couldn’t paint realistically, then I would just have to do what comes naturally. So that means, just being myself.
I don’t aim for photographic accuracy, I aim for something more personal than that.
“The decision to lean into my natural voice, rather than fight it is exactly what makes my work what it is.”
Anna approach to finding inspiration is simply to step outside.
“I don’t need to travel far for inspiration. Most of it is right outside my door,” she says with a smile.
“I find it on my street, in my garden and the world around me. Florists, birds and trips to the country inspire my landscapes. If you can see something that I love, then it’s inspiration to me.
It’s a beautifully simple approach. Look closely, find beauty and paint it.
These nostalgic artworks are created through layers, instinct and knowing when to stop.
“When I start a piece, I usually know what theme it will be. But at any moment, I can completely change it up if it’s not working in my mind,” she explains.
“I have a racing mind with ideas flooding in constantly, so I have to be firm with myself and hold on to the vibe.
“My process is methodical, despite the spontaneity. For floral pieces, for example, I will be begin with the darks and a loose pot shape. Then, gradually, I build up light and colour across many layers.
“It starts to take form slowly over time. Many layers are applied and the talent is saying, stop now.
“You need to remember to love your theme. You have to stay yourself and try not to paint like others. It’s always best to paint in your natural style. It’s easy to be yourself and harder to be another.”
Whether you’re after a statement piece or something intimate and personal, there’s a good chance Anna has painted exactly what your walls have been waiting for.
We’re grateful to Anna for sharing her bold and bright nostalgic artworks with us. You can explore her full collection, from florals and birds, to landscapes and beyond, on her website or Instagram.
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