’I think it is a shame that as we grow older we lose the freedom of thought. What
is great is that children just accept things, so for example, if I paint a character bright
blue, that's just fine with them!"
You have branched out into childrens’ illustrations, how did that come about?
‘Right from a tiny age the illustrations were more important than the stories to me. I
tried to go into that arena in my 20s, but it was the recession and the whole world
went boom. I did do a series of illustrations, reminiscent of Beatrix Potter and when
the local scene paintings took off, I showed them to a gallery I was exhibiting at.’
That is when Meadow Valley was born, a range of Wendy’s illustrative works. ‘It is
about country life for little creatures in a slight 1920s, 1930s style. ‘I have designed
a whole range of children’s cups and lampshades.’
Wendy is also working on a very long term project with an author. Together they are
evolving the illustrations to go with his story. It is huge fun to do. She is given the
initial ideas by him and then allowed to run loose with her imagination. For now, it
is all top secret stuff between the writer and the artist!
Tell me about the ‘furry CEO’ of your business!
‘He is a bossy terrier called Scrappy, we got 7 years ago and he is completely
potty! I work in a tiny corner of my bedroom and he glues himself to me. He now
has the nickname of CEO and people often post on Facebook…*and what does
the CEO think?* It is funny because people genuinely think he is in charge! He often
puts in an appearance in my pictures.
What is your vision for the next 5 years?
I have done loads of local scenes and although I love them, it would be great to go
a little further afield. As I am a Londoner by birth, it would be marvellous to go back
to my old haunts and turn London inside out. We could all see the houses of parlia-
ment in a new way!’ Bending the truth?…hmmm. ‘Everywhere has its beauty. I love
showing the history of an area, so if it had old mills or was industrial, it would be
great fun to do.’
With her unique twist on reality, taking a camper van on a grand tour of Britain, I
can just visualise Wendy bringing her quirky magic painting into cities, towns and
villages across the land.
And her message is…
‘Never be put off by convention. We all have a creative aspect within us. Every-
body’s work is beautiful, just go for it!’
www.wendybrownart.co.uk
www.facebook.com/HampshireArtist