We had the pleasure of chatting with Frances Costelloe, a self-taught artist whose vibrant and free-spirited drawings capture the essence of nature and everyday moments. Frances shares insights about her artistic upbringing, her love for quick, intuitive mediums like pastel, and the joyful spontaneity she brings to each piece. From her cherished tulip series to collaborations with esteemed brands, Frances offers an intimate glimpse into her creative world and the joy she finds in capturing life’s fleeting moments.
1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your artistic journey?
I always thought I would be an artist when I was younger as both of my grandparents were and I come from a creative family. I am self taught as I took a detour in the form of a politics degree however I had a great grounding at secondary school painting with oils whilst looking across the skyline of London. The city has always inspired me as there is something special about the light in the capital.
2. What inspired you to pursue your craft? Was there a defining moment or influence that sparked your passion?
Art was one of the few things I was really good at as a child when I didn’t find the rest of school that easy. I have always enjoyed the act of drawing and my practice across a variety of mediums always comes down to that.
Your craft
3. How would you describe your work in three words?
Playful, free, born in nature.
4. What materials or techniques do you use, and why are they important to your process?
I like quick work. The idea of laboured work for me is not appealing. I love the speed of pastels and the simple colour play that can be achieved with the highly pigmented sticks. Lime has also been important to my work as it helps my drawings flow.
5. Can you tell us about a favourite piece you’ve created and the story behind it?
I love all my tulip works. I have a large catalogue of photos on my phone and draw these on repeat. Often I change all the colours but keep the basic shapes on a favourite composition the same.
Creative process
6. What does a typical day in your studio or workshop look like?
I only work on my art part time. It usually involves large cups of english breakfast tea in cornishware mugs, making marks on big pieces of paper and my face smudged with pastel as I rush out the door to collect my kids.
7. Do you have any unique rituals or habits that help you stay creative?
Gallery visits- although this has not been a priority recently as I have been trying to focus on good health habits.
8. How do you handle creative blocks? Do you have any strategies or tips for overcoming them?
Make multiples and toss a lot out. Some gold will shine through.
Challenges and successes
9. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a maker, and how did you overcome it?
Trying to paint extremely large portraits of the staff of a hotel in Mozambique while extremely pregnant so I couldn’t properly reach the top of the paper on my drawing board.
10. What’s been your proudest moment or achievement so far?
Getting into Liberty less than 5 months after launching my brand which I started while my son was 6 months.
Inspiration
11. Where do you draw inspiration from for your work? What sparks your imagination and creativity?
Always Van Gogh.
12. Do you have a favourite artist, maker, movement, or tradition that has influenced your craft?
I love Matisse and Van Gogh. I am obsessed with colour and they are masters. I also love Tracy Emin and think she is superb at painting the figure.
13. How does colour influence your practice; is it an important part of your process? Do you have a particular palette or favourites? Any go-to sources for colour inspiration?
Colour is very important – it’s more about a feeling, an energy a vibration. I don’t have rules.
Perspectives and goals
14. What role does your environment play in shaping your creativity?
A pretty large role. I take a lot of photos and these inform my practice. I am often trying to sum up a feeling from a meeting, a meal, a still life. Capturing the energeticness of life in a single frame of a picture.
15. What are you currently working on, and what excites you most about it?
Two collaborations with brands I respect. They will both mean I have to cover new ground and explore new mediums and surfaces.
Advice and reflection
16. What advice would you give to someone starting out as a maker?
Have another job too!
17. If you could go back to the start of your career, what advice would you give your younger self?
Trust yourself, do what makes you feel good.
Closing thoughts
18. If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would love to glaze more ceramics. I would love to go to Picasso’s studio and create a collection of bowls and plates and jugs..
Frances Costelloe’s work brings spontaneity and rich colour inspired by nature, everyday moments, and the vibrant energy of life.
Explore Frances’ creations at:
