Sea Treasure: Treasure the Sea

Rhian is an artist and illustrator who works from her home studio in Paignton. In a previous life she was a graphic designer and typographer in Warwickshire, but moved to Devon 24 years ago, and her passion for drawing, painting and colour was reignited. A late bloomer, she began to experiment, finding her artist voice and her own quirky style.

Creating lively and colourful mixed media illustrations, Rhian repurposes old books and maps as both the backgrounds and the inspiration for her work, with a nod towards her design career. Her challenge is always to find an unexpected interpretation between word and image! Drawn by hand onto vintage papers, then coloured with ink, gouache paint and pastel, Rhian uses traditional techniques and usually adds a sprinkle of wit or humour with hand stamped lettering.

Rhian has built an extensive local following, successfully exhibiting at many Devon galleries, including Artizan, Delamore Arts, SWAc Open and Torre Abbey, and also sells her work both nationally and internationally. Her distinctive style lends itself to many subjects and themes, but recent involvement as an Accredited UNESCO artist for The English Riviera Geopark, has focussed on local sealife and birds, which have become firm favourites.

Rhian is currently studying for a Masters in Illustration at Falmouth, including writing and illustrating a bird-themed children's book about a puffin.

Mixed Media on vintage hydrographic chart, showing symbols and abbreviations used by admiralty

Mixed Media on Vintage Hydrographic Chart

64x84cm

Framed Under Glass