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Scottish Artist & Interior Designer Christina Boyle
Every commission is unique and tailored to my clients style, decor and budget.

Case Studies

My favourite commissions of 2021 & a yearly round up!

12/9/2021

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What. a. year. 

This year has flown by in what feels like one HUGE blur - how are we nearly in 2022 already?! I thought it was about time I did a summary of what I've been up to.

Small wins for this year include launching a website for in-stock paintings and working with some fantastic designers including Studio LBI, VG Curation, Sienna Interiors and Kibre Interiors to name a few. I've sent paintings to the USA and France - had a full page spread in Hood magazine, been featured on an illuminated Billboard in Glasgows West end  and for this first time this year I've introduced a wait list too which is crazy!! I'm still trying to balance work & life and find my flow with things - 2021 has been full of learning curves but I'm so grateful for all of my fabulous clients and for the fantastic projects I've been so lucky to have worked on. Every client and project gives me variety and the freedom to be creative.  

I've also been working part time with Louise and Nicole at Louise Bramhill Interiors as a designer and I'm loving it - I've always dreamt of having a career which  will allow me to have one foot in interiors and another in art, and working with Louise allows me to do just that. Her projects & clients are quite literally A DREAM, consist mostly of residential projects - I'm constantly learning and the design work compliments my art business ten fold. I'd describe myself as a people person and although I have many clients I work with through my art, I do enjoy working as part of a bigger team at LBI. I think if I was working on my own full time, I would get a bit lonely! I know many artists feel the same, so its a good balance.


But the good always comes the bad - I'm currently writing this after testing positive for COVID!! Isolating from my family this christmas isn't what I had imagined after a full on year but it is what it is. I know this year has been hard on so many so I'm counting my lucky stars that I have my health and good family & friends around me. 

My goal for next year is to launch a few more collections on my website and hopefully have a few more design  collaborations. I'd love to continue to work with oversize paintings too and merge some design projects with my art. I've always done all my photography, styling, marketing, website etc myself but this year I think I might take on someone to help me with this side of things as demand for paintings get busier. A slight re-brand might be on the cards!! I'd also love to work with interior brands and possibly produce prints. I have a thousand ideas and it seems there is never enough time to do them - but one thing for sure is that I couldn't be happier doing what I love.

Heres hoping 2022 is as busy as this year has been.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me whether that be a like, share or purchasing / commissioning a painting - it is so appreciated. 

Heres to another year! 

Christina x 

Browse some of favourite commissions from 2021 below:



Louise Bramhill Interiors - Kitchen Duo

Louise contacted me whilst she was undergoing her kitchen renovation - which she designed herself and had made bespoke in scotland. She wanted me to match colours to her beautiful stone worktop and wood units. Something peaceful and calming was needed for the space. She wanted a duo, two canvases in portrait orientation which would compliment each other and create a nice focal point above her dining table. For any more information Louise has written a blog on how she designed her kitchen, with more kitchens coming in 2022! 

Size: 100cm x 80cm
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Derbyshire Double Mezzanine Hall

I was commissioned to create two bespoke paintings for a double height mezzanine space. One of the paintings was to be oversize - 1.95m and 1.25m and the other smaller at 1m x 1m. The hall looked out onto a gorgeous green garden, and my client wanted me to take inspiration and colours from the view. The two paintings had to compliment each other, as they were being hung at different levels but would both been seen from the ground floor (elevation attached!). 
The final paintings brought the outdoor textures and colours in, and created a nice unique statement for the hall. Install pictures coming in 2022! 

Sizes: 195cm x 125cm and 100cm x 100cm 
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Edinburgh Stair Duo

A duo created for a narrow stair space - the paintings were used to connect the ground floor and first floor and make the space more cohesive, bringing blue colours from the interior in  and silver tones in furniture through the paintings. 

One of the best things about creating two paintings is the flexibility of how you can hang them and use them in an interior; if they work as one you can use them in a huge space and they will always sing together. 

​Sizes 100cm x 80cm 
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Edinburgh Townhouse Oversize Painting 

A oversize 1.95cm x 1.25cm bespoke sized canvas made to fit inbetween the panelling of an edinburgh townhouse. A grand piano would sit infront of the painting so the focal point needed to be towards the top 1/3 of the painting. The brief was to work to dark pinks, purples and navys which had been used elsewhere in the house (pictures attached) - creating a bold. colourful, contemporary piece.  
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Master Bedroom / VG Curation Interior Project 

Leanne from VG curation got in touch with me to create a painting for one of her interior projects for a master bedroom. She provided me with a list of interior elements to consider before working up the moodboard -  The wall the painting would be hung on is painted farrow and ball Wevet, adjacent to this was a Craig and rose painted wall in Pullman. All wood furniture was oiled oak, with bed linen from piglet in bed. The canvas size was to be 120cm x 120cm. 

Her clients loved nature and warm  orange tones so I wanted to bring in elements of 'leaves' and natural forms. As I started working up the painting I realised I was adding more pink than I originally intended to, but I think it complimented the green/brown tones nicely. The client was happy for me to take my own steer on the painting and thats just what I did. I loved the result and Leanne and her clients couldn't have been happier either! 



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May 22nd, 2021

5/22/2021

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Its been a while since I updated my blog, or wrote about any commissions in general. 2021 so far has been overwhelmingly busy - for the first time since setting up business I've had to stop taking commissions and created a waiting list. I love doing what I do and feel SO lucky to call it work. I thought I'd write about one of my first commissions of the year for my first 2021 blog post. This painting was for a period property in england - big windows, traditional architectural details - dreamy! I was approached to create this piece for a living room from Luce - commonly known as 'whereluceeats' on instagram - shes a foodie blogger and creates the most AMAZING dishes. I'm lucky to have some very interesting clients! 

Her new living room was to be painted farrow & balls railings - a deep black colour with a tiny hint of blue. She was ordering one deep green sage sofa and beige sofa, and wanted the painting to be hung over the black mantel piece and wood burner. Below are some photographs of the existing space I was creating the painting for, and the moodboard I brought together for her. 
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The moodboard combined a mix of neutrals, sage green and dark navys. Looking at the dark wall I thought something quite light and neutral would stand out against the wall colour, but then with darker blacks/navys to contrast this. I thought adding in some tones from the sofas would be great - the navy/blues and olive colours bounce well off of each other. I was also thinking a warm, beige tone might just bring in some of the warmth from the floor and really compliment the room as a whole. 
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The process of creating the painting was a breeze - I wanted it to have a light base but with strong shapes and colours. The was the final painting. When sending it to Luce I also created a visualisation which allowed her to see what the painting would look like above the fireplace. 
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The final look : seeing it in the interior it was made for!

Always my favourite part, Luce is planning on getting the painting framed but sent me some photographs of the space when the painting arrived. I just love how it sits next to those dark walls!! 
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I loved the painting so much and missed it when it was eventually sent away. This was a bit different as I used bigger blocks of colour than I normally work with, but I think it worked well! 

Thank you so much to everyone who reads my little blog or has commissioned/bought a painting from me this year already. 

​Christina x
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CASE STUDIES

3/3/2021

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Click on each painting to find a bit more about the brief behind it - time to get inspired! 
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Sunset by the Tay

3/2/2021

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One of the main things I love about commissions is how different each brief is and my clients visions can be. This month I was approached to do an abstraction on a 60 x 90cm canvas of a special location in Scotland, using colours to compliment my clients space. 
They have existing teal wallpaper in their period home, so the main objective was to use colours to compliment the space. The room has a huge window which opens out onto the river tay in Dundee, Scotland. They wanted to capture the tay in the piece and use the painting as a focal point above a fireplace. 

As always, I worked up a mood board for them before starting the piece. I focused on bringing in the colours in their walls, as well as introducing some contrasting neutrals to compliment existing architectural features and bring different tones to the piece. 
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The river tay is a beautiful expanse of water, and I wanted to capture the flowing tones and reflections in the location, the bridge and its linear qualities, as well as some characteristics of Dundee city itself.  
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Can you see the resemblance? 

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and... TA DA! finito!

Can't wait to see this framed and up in its new home. I really enjoyed doing this piece and seeing the final result. For more info on commissions head to the commissions tab, where I will talk through the process a bit more and hopefully answer some questions! 

Christina x
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Kim's Painting

1/9/2021

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2020 wasn't great for socialising, and 2021 so far does not seem much better. Instagram and social media has been a LIFE SAVER for me in terms of still managing to connect with clients, other creatives and influencers and I think I'd really struggle without having it there as a creative outlet. I was lucky enough to connect with Kim Mcfarlane who has her own insta page and following under 'the home kim built'. She is based in Glasgow and she loves pink just as much as me, so when she asked me to work up a new painting for her living room I was more than excited! Kims taste is luxe, SUPER feminine, classic and timeless with makes her house updates really interesting to follow - I do have a soft spot for feminine style and Kim nails it with her instagram page. 
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The Moodboard 

As I always do with a new commission, I discussed with Kim what kind of style she would like, and took all of the colours in her room to work up a palette which would influence the piece. I loved the mix of dusty purple in her sofa with the cool baby pinks on her wall. I also made a point of taking in the warm orange and browns from her flooring and neutrals found in her mantel piece. Kim then agreed with the moodboard I had sent her, and I used this as I was painting. 
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The Final Painting

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The end result was this lovely pink painting. I think this painting has so much personality and adds a playful edge to the room - its mostly pink, with some graphic shapes and contrasting blues; A pleasure to create and lovely seeing it sitting in Kims lovely room! 
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Fragments of the Tide

11/30/2020

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The Brief 

I was commissioned to create a painting to fit perfectly into my clients lovely kitchen and dining area. Their friends call it the “beach kitchen” (even though they live in London) as it has a relaxing vibe which includes pastel hues which might remind you of a beach scape. They had envisioned a piece to contrast with the light pink walls and light grey kitchen cupboards, but keeping with a beach theme - think of stormy greys and textures, play of reflections and shapes resembling shells and sandy textures.

My client was really drawn to my “nights by the bay” piece which capture the colour palette they wanted. Think a base of dark blues, greens and greys, then adding in whites and light greys with pops of pink to compliment the walls and bring some light and contrast to the dark. This piece was all about contrasting linear elements with strong organic flowing shapes. My client then sent through some interior photographs which included a close up of their granite worktops which are white with swirls of grey, and asked if I could include an element inspired by that stormy look that they capture. 
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The Interior 

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The Moodboard 

For every commission I do I create a moodboard based on the brief, and send this to the client to see so we are both along the right lines of colour and influence. I then always refer to this when I am beginning the painting & throughout the process. 
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The Final Painting

The final painting I've named 'fragments of the tide' - and you can probably see why. I think it captures a stormy sea scape well, but also looks contemporary and abstract enough. Really enjoyed doing this piece and my clients were lovely! Onto the next one now...
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Kibre Studio

10/20/2020

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I was so excited to be commissioned to create two paintings for an interior project run by Kibre Studio in London. The space they were commissioned for was a lounge/ games room for a Build to Rent scheme in Sutton. Kibre Studio specialise in Build to rent schemes and have worked with some of the UK's largest landlords.
 
Kibre sent me through the branding document, as they ideally wanted them to tie into both the furniture / finishes and the new branding.
 
Below are the furnishings, interior finishes and moodboard which should help paint a bit of a picture of the brief they gave me to help create the paintings to tie in with the overall project.
 
The brief was incorporating mainly the Dark green RAL 6003/ grey tones from the branding, with some hints of the dark blue that’s in the furniture. Then I planned to add accents of the copper/rust tie it in with the accents in the furniture and lighting. From this brief I put together a moodboard which is below.

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Below are some of the proposed furnishings and palette which influenced the piece.
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Part of the brief involved creating a 'water' effect which linked to the projects branding. I tried to incorporate this by using some watered down acrylic neutrals and green, layering these and letting them contrast again some harsher lines. 
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Studio Shot 

Those copper accents & finer details..

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The Finished Pieces 

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Because there was such a clear brief from the team at Kibre, the paintings were completed within a 4 week lead time from the initial commission and in 4 weeks sent down to site ready to be hung! I can't wait to see them in the space next to the furnishings, fittings and decor the team at Kibre have chosen. It was great to explore some of the other projects Kibre have completed, involving some gorgeous artwork from other artist and furnishings - I'll link there website here and include some images of their previous projects below. This was such a pleasure to do for them, I loved working to such a beautiful design brief and can't wait to see the project come together. Who else loves those emerald greens?!

Kibre Design Studio

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'Pearl Blue'

10/15/2020

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I was delighted this month to be asked to work up a commission to sit in a beautiful apartment in Monaco, France. 

​My client had a vision of pale blues, whites, and pinks. She wanted the overall feel to be light, airy and peaceful. I worked up the below mood board for her which consisted of some of my previous pieces she liked, a colour palette, and references to other pieces I thought worked well and fitted her brief. 

The Mood Board 

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The Apartment 

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In the Studio

I really enjoyed using the colours in the palette as I've never used them before - this pale blue was a bit of a challenge just to get the balance right. I started working the painting up in dark blues and lots of texture, and then painted on top of this to work up a base of this pale baby blue colour. I started shaping forms and colours and creating an almost 'terrazzo' effect out of shapes. At the size this piece was which was 1m x 1m, it had a really statement effect despite being such soft colours. 

The Final Piece

Upon completion of the painting, we decided to go for a shadow gap white frame which just brought the piece together - it instantly gives it a contemporary edge! 
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I'm pretty happy with how this piece turned out - so much so that once it was sitting in my living room I didn't want to give it up! 

I've decided to call this piece 'pearl blue' because of its light, fresh (and obviously blue) palette. 
Its now arrived safely in Monaco and I can't wait to see it up in the apartment. 

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'Nights by the Bay'

9/15/2020

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Since launching my business I have met many interesting people. The client who commissioned this painting was one of them. Helen owns her own jewellery brand (I'll link below), and makes the most gorgeous abstract intricate pieces. Working with someone who has their own creative vision is really exciting; and I'd say it was more like a collaboration between us rather than just me painting the piece on my own, which I loved.  She asked me to work up a commission for her gorgeous townhouse in the west end of Glasgow. 

The main objective of this piece was to create something which would compliment the interior wall colour and the other artworks in the space, so everything in Helens living room would sit together in harmony. She wanted something moody, with deep blues, greys and dusty pinks. I wanted to also include some warm neutral colours as this would be used to tie in some of her furniture and accessories she owned. The mood board below shows shots of her room, and inspiration images and colour palette I used to create the painting from.

The mood board

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I wanted to use Helens jewellery as inspiration;  which would add a lovely bit of personalisation into the painting for her. I focused on capturing some of the shapes Helen often uses in her pieces. Some are quite graphic, others are more organic. I had fun playing with pops of colour and contrasting linear shapes and lines. I tried to create almost 'jewel'-like shapes. 

Helens Jewellery 

Studio Shot & Works in Progress

It took a while to get the balance working of the dark blue and contrasting white, you can see some of the top images are quite different to the final painting - again, its all a process and it was great being able to run things past Helen.

The final painting; ready for its new home!

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I dropped the painting off to Helen in person which was lovely, and she sent some photos of the painting hung above her sofa. It looks perfect for the space and her grey walls and decor.

I've decided to call this piece 'nights by the bay'. I asked for name suggestions on instagram and almost everyone suggested something sea themed - I can see why and it definitely reminds me of a peaceful water scene. Doing this piece was a pleasure and I'm really happy with the way it has turned out.

Please give Helen a follow on her instagram below, and I'll link her website. I'm all about supporting small, Scottish creative businesses and her work is so beautiful! 
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'Cosmos'

9/9/2020

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This month I had the pleasure of working up a 76 x 101cm canvas for a beautiful house in London which has just been renovated. The clients knew exactly what they wanted, so I let them take the lead and they put together an amazing mood board for me to work with - I've attached this below as it pretty much speaks for itself!
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They have the most gorgeous house and their renovation is documented on instagram (I'll link below). The piece was made for the space above their sofa and we focused on incorporating a lot of the living room colours into the piece, as well as some elements from my previous pieces which they liked. The wanted the piece to be darker towards the edges, with a light, airy feel towards the centre.

The room the painting was designed for...

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Studio work in progress

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The final piece.

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I've named this piece 'Cosmos' - there's something about it that reminds me of planets, stars and the sky. I'm looking forward to seeing how this piece will tie the room together; complimenting their style. Follow their lovely reno below!  
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Pene Lane / Corporate Interior Commission

8/14/2020

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I was approached by the lovely Carima from Pene Lane. Pene Lane is a interior design studio based in Leeds and specialises in rental property design and corporate interiors. 

As I have a background in interiors, I was super excited to get started and work with another designer to help create their vision and satisfy the project brief. 

Camira and myself had a skype call to chat the project through. She sent me a moodboard she had put together and some information about what the client requirements were and why the colours were so important to get right. 
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As always I referenced the colours, moodboard and brand image and made a start in my studio. I knew this would be a tricky commission because the colours are so bold, to get the balance right it would take a lot of layering and manipulation of colours. I imagine a lot of people viewing my work for the first time probably don't realise the process behind it - and this is what I remind many of my clients during the working up of a painting, it is very much a process and requires some back and fourth before I'll work something up that works for both me and my client. I always working closely with the client for feedback and keep them up to date on my progress, and this was essential for this piece. This piece took several attempts to get right with the help of Carima and her vision, but I'd like to think the final piece captures the brand image of the clouds very well. Here it is, styled up in my living room before it gets sent down to its new corporate office!
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I really enjoyed working this piece up because it had a very small, set brief and was a challenge - in a good way! I normally wouldn't ever work with such bright colours but I think that 1) it'll look fabulous in its neutral meeting room, and many modern offices incorporate bright colours so it'll look contemporary and fitting with its space. 2) its proven to me that I can work with colours out-with my comfort zone and thats a nice feeling!

I also loved this because working with a designer means they have their own vision. Carima was lovely and it was an absolute pleasure to work with her. I've linked her website and instagram below and will definitely be keeping up with her future projects - she's always busy working on something new!

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Home at Heathfield / Collaboration

8/11/2020

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This month I did something a little different than my usual and asked one of my favourite interior influencers if they would like to collaborate with me - I was over the moon when she said yes. Yasmin had popped up on my feed complimenting my art work a few times, and I’ve followed her progress as an interior influencer for the past few years so I was super excited to create a painting for her gorgeous home. I've shared her grid and link to her insta below. 
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  The main thing I loved about Yasmins style is how unafraid she is of colour, she makes some bold decisions and still manages to make every one look classy and sophisticated. You can tell she is constantly experimenting with her style and she has the confidence to make different decisions and not necessarily just follow trends - which I love. I also knew she would have her unique vision I could tailor her painting to. 

​As soon as Yasmin agreed to work with me she sent me over mood boards and had so many exciting ideas. She decided what room she wanted the painting to go into. She specified her dining room - I was so excited!! The painting would be tailored to her colour scheme, finer decor details and be used to compliment the room and tie all of her interior furnishings together.

The space is pretty neutral, incorporating bold blacks and hints of strong emerald green. She wanted her painting to be quite similar: kept neutral but with green accents and a green linear aspect to it. It was amazing working with somebody who had a clear view on what they wanted - she was almost directing me on the creative approach to this painting which was really exciting. She also mentioned that this room links in with her kitchen which will be getting painted a beautiful dark moss green colour. She gathered some mood images and sent them to me, and as always I referred to them during painting - some of the images I've featured below. 

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Some pics of her dining room and colour of her proposed kitchen:
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A small flash of bright green would compliment the space and bring out the other green tones she has in her dining room - even her rug had a linear green accent through it so I really wanted to incorporate that into the piece! She wanted the painting to sit above her fireplace and make quite a statement. Because the wall above her fireplace is so light, I wanted to introduce black charcoal greys around the corners of the painting to give that statement contrast she was after. 

The Painting Process 

The piece was 100cm x 100cm on cotton canvas, and I used various different techniques and materials, the majority of these being acrylic paint and collage.

​I originally worked up the painting to reflect the neutrals in her space and then placed the linear green shape into the piece as I spoke about before. I always think that when working with clients, doing less and then giving them the option to add more is always a better way of working rather than going too wild! I also added some very light peachy tones which would compliment her floor finish and warm white wall colour she has on her walls. 

I then sent her photos of how the piece was looking, and agreed it could take more green. She loved the piece how it was so I made sure I didn't do anything too drastic - just added a tiny bit more of that bottle green to the shapes. View the updated painting below sitting in her gorgeous dining room! This is still to be framed and I can't wait to see it when its properly hung up.
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I loved doing this for Yasmin and really appreciate how supportive she has been of my art since collaborating with me - I'm sure influencers get gifted SO many wonderful things all the time but she was so lovely and I could tell she was genuinely excited by my art. I whole heartedly appreciated it - she even sent my a gorgeous bunch of flowers. I've linked Yasmins Instagram below, please follow her for all things colour and interior inspo - she posts regularly, is super friendly and is one talented lady!
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'Shifting Sand' Commission

7/26/2020

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This painting was named 'shifting sand' because it reminds me of the rocks and sand left by the tide at the beach. I feel like this piece was super special because the palette is very minimal, and this is something I'd like to continue to explore in my work.

My client for this commission has very specific taste and style in her home and wanted to capture her style in this painting. Her home interior features lots of whites, creams and neutrals with hints of sage greens and dusty mint colours.  She put together an amazing mood board, and I got started. 
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Her taste was super refined so I wanted to capture this in the painting. She liked these images of thick paint creating texture and then combining this with minimal colour, so I used my palette knife and layers of gesso to create the final textural piece. I also added pops of very subtle sage colours in to create a tiny bit of contrast - but the initial change in colour is so subtle that its almost unnoticeable! Once I had the texture and colours finalised, I then went in with finer details and small brushes to create linear mark making which added some more detail to the piece. 
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Ikea Hack

7/17/2020

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​I've always made it clear how much I love a charity shop rummage, buying vintage, and finding new ways to reuse old furniture and interior accessories. I'm always on a budget. Even if I won the lottery I'd still be desperate for the buzz and satisfaction of finding a new charity shop gem, or making something mediocre that I bought for cheap look amazing with a few tweaks. 

I've been living with an ikea sideboard which I bought for an amazing £215 (it belongs to the ikea hemnes range - link here). I do love how traditional and bright it looks, I love the freshness of the white. However I've been feeling it does look a little mundane.. so thought I'd do a quick search on etsy for drawer knobs which I could replace the current ones with. 

I bought these amazing brass T bar knobs from PlankHardware - they have an amazing selection and the knobs were only £4.95 each! These ones were the WATT T-BAR Handle. 

Its amazing what a tiny change like this can make. I love how my sideboard looks now I've given it this tiny revamp and it instantly ties in with my coffee table and lamp which are also brass! And it took approx 10 mins to do. Win win all round. 
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Redundancy, Co-vid & the New Normal

7/9/2020

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I was made redundant completely out of the blue on a rainy Glasgow Friday afternoon. I can only describe it as feeling like I’d been hit by a bus! I won’t go into the full details of the circumstances at this stage, but I know that anyone who has been made redundant or lost a job will be able to relate to this on some level. Some situations are dealt with better than others… but the feeling of being dropped suddenly and needing to pay a mortgage / bills and having no idea of how you will be able to afford it is more than terrifying. 
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Finding myself redundant after five years of working full time in the interior design profession, I spent the following weeks trying to process the trauma of what had happened, whilst also scrambling to update CV’s. Then lockdown in the UK was enforced. Gyms, restaurants, parks and libraries were all closed. Staying home had become the new reality and my previously vibrant social life had been reduced to the confines of my home. I quickly gathered a few things up and moved in with my boyfriend. Not only was the world going crazy, and a massively scary pandemic was unfolding, but I was searching for a jobs in an economy that had been ‘put on hold’. Along with all of these things came the uncertainty and fear of the unknown. 

I spent the first 2 weeks of lockdown trying to calm myself mentally. I went for walks, did yoga, meditated, played games, dived into books, called friends and tried to first and foremost take the time to look after myself in the situation I was in. My family, boyfriend Liam and my friends are the biggest support I’ve got and I’m so so lucky to have them around (despite being socially distanced!). 
However, outwith my own home, where I had left most of my clothes and belongings, there were only so many leisure activities I could do and only so many CV’s I could send out (with the replies of, ‘sorry, we aren’t taking on anyone due to Covid’) before I went mad. (I’m very much a person who needs some form of purpose, or at least a project to get on with and without one I tend to go a bit loopy.) 

I have been painting for a couple of years as a hobby, it was something I did on the side of my 9 -5 interior design day job and I always found it was super relaxing and therapeutic. One night I was sitting on the couch after a long lockdown day of being unproductive and boredom had well and truly set in. I moaned to Liam that I couldn’t paint, so the next day he made me and easel and I finally had my little art set up in his attic!!!!
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Rediscovering my Creativity.


So, I started to paint again in lockdown, not for anyone else, but for me. Painting has for the past few years, been something that I’ve constantly found therapy in. Its not only given me purpose, but when I paint my worries and spinning thoughts pause for a bit. The focus on one central thing at that moment in time relaxes the body and quietens any physical or mental stress. I’ve heard people relate painting to meditation, and I can completely see the connection there. Even though I was overwhelmed at the world going crazy and my current situation, there is nothing more stress free to me than going up to the attic studio, lighting a candle or incense, putting on some of my favourite playlists and diving straight into a painting.
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The Benefits of Painting & Creating:


​So, we are pretty aware that painting can help with physical and mental stress but what else can it help with? 


  • Perseverance and determination – Even the most amazing ideas have the possibility of being executed poorly. If a painting does not turn out the way I initially envisioned, I then become determined to keep working into it until I turn the piece into something I am happy with. This cycle of trial and error can seem to last forever at times and can be very frustrating. I’ve learnt through many accidents/mistakes that it is all a process and to try to embrace it. With this you also learn patience and determination. When faced with disappointment, you learn that with hard work, you will be certain to improve and resolve which I think is a great life skill in itself.
 
  • Decision making:  Choosing which paint brushes to use or which colours to mix up makes you a more decisive person and less afraid of mistakes. Decision-making skills make your mind more efficient, resilient and this ability can alleviate stress when applied to things that aren’t just about painting.
 
  • Reward – Just knowing that hard work gives better results and finishing a painting that you (and your client) are happy with feels AMAZING, giving you a boost in self-esteem. Getting positive feedback from clients also increases the sense of self-assurance that comes with creating a work of your own. This is the best reward from painting.
 
  • Those positive vibrations – Creating art teaches you to be more observational with the world around you and makes you appreciate the beauty in the small things. I remember the first still life I ever did at school and how it felt like I was looking at the object for the first time in my life. You observe the scale, colour, shadow; tiny details that your conscious mind would never normally take in. You gain a new appreciation of tiny ‘silly’ things like the colour combination of a flower petal or the shapes sunlight makes through trees. Embracing the beauty around you gives you a more positive outlook of the world and opens your eyes to things many people don’t see. 

Silver Linings.

Lockdown has been the first opportunity I’ve really had to fully explore this side of my creativity freely and I’ve said repeatedly to family and friends its been the silver lining of CO-VID. I have formally set up my own website and business, ChristinaStudio and started posting more paintings online and really trying to market myself and my brand (very much a learning process!). More commissions have started coming in which I am so grateful for. I’ve been lucky enough during lockdown to work with some amazing clients like I.am.Nomad and Louise Bramhill Interiors in Glasgow to name a few. My paintings have been sent to England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, South Carolina, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Just the thought of having them all over the world in different homes fills me with absolute joy.


Hopeful.

One day recently I was packaging up a few pieces of art in my studio I had just sold. I had a thought about how this time is a scary one for all creatives right now, I know so many who are either redundant or are facing redundancy and are struggling to see what the future holds for them. It is inevitable that some days will be good and you’ll feel positive, and others will be bad and you’ll feel like giving up. While thinking about this and all of the other people affected during this time, I had a thought that no matter what life throws at me nothing will be able to take away my passion and drive to create paintings or interiors. This is something that I’ll always have in me, and in that I’ve found a strange sense of comfort. This applies to anybody who has their own unique way of creating and seeing the world - just because co-vid has happened doesn’t mean you've lost it - embrace what you have to offer and remember you are not alone! I thought if I lost my job that would literally be the END of me (sounds dramatic but seriously) but at this point during lockdown I’ve figured out it might only just be the beginning.
Follow my progress here on my blog, and follow me for daily updates via instagram and facebook (links below.)
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'Silent Smoke' - English Barn Conversion Commission

7/2/2020

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My latest commission was designed for a contemporary barn conversion in Derby, England. The conversion has a large open plan kitchen and living area, with exposed brick and cashmere grey modern kitchen units.

There is a blank stretch of wall between the kitchen and the living room and I was asked to design a piece which would merge the two spaces together and give some life to the blank wall. We agreed a size prior to starting and that a square 100cm x 100cm would look good and big enough that it would create a big statement. We then looked at the interior decor and which aspects from this we would like to bring out in the piece, including colour and style. My client also had examples of work she liked and could envision in the space so this was very helpful for me to understand the style she wanted.

For this project I also worked with Claire from I am Nomad who provided lighting fittings, furniture and accessories for this client so it was important to work together and make sure our thoughts were aligned. 

The products provided included a midcentury shelving unit and sideboard, smoke grey glass pendants and a marble and brass side table. Below are some of the products from I Am Nomad's shop. 


Products from I am Nomads shop 

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The Mood Board 

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The moodboard shown includes pictures of the existing furnishings, colour palette (good ole' farrow and ball colours by the way) and examples of work my client likes. ​The brief was to create a light neutral background with some steel colours and accents of pinks and yellows. Included in the mood board is the colour palette Claire suggested and something I used as a reference when developing the piece.

I really wanted to get a good balance of steel colours contrasting with warm pinks, and as you'll notice a lot of the furnishings were a grey/charcoal colour as well as the kitchen units so it was important to tie in with this but also provide some warmth in the colour elsewhere which would compliment the mid century cabinets. 

I also noticed in the examples of art my client had shown me, there were big blocks of darker colour so this was something I incorporated into the piece.

Below is the finished piece, which creates a gorgeous statement. I've named this 'Silent Smoke' as it feels peaceful and has a smokey/grey vibe. I'm packaging and sending this off to England this week and I can't wait to see how it sits in the space it was made for.

The Finished Piece

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'Rose Water'

6/22/2020

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Initial Moodboards

This month I had the chance to create a super feminine piece of work which was commissioned for a modern new build in Glasgow. The interior itself was very neutral with pink accents and an emerald green velvet chair & cushion. There was also copper in the solid furnishings and lighting which allowed me to introduce subtle hints of warmer colours. The client wanted a rectangular piece to sit above the grey sofa. 

The Finished Piece.

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The finished piece created a lovely fresh statement for my clients living room, whilst complimenting her feminine style. I think it is very important for me to be able to change my colour palette to suit different interior styles and this is a perfect example. Her living room oozed contemporary feminine and I'd like to feel like this piece captures that!
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The Commission Process.

6/4/2020

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I've talked a lot about individual pieces of art I have done on my blog, but never about the actual process. Its dawned on me that many people might find the thought of commissioning a piece of art for their home quite daunting. I've had people say they don't know what to ask for, or they don't know if they can afford a piece. I thought I'd write this just to make the whole process (if you are considering one) clearer.

Every artwork I do is different, because it is designed around the individual client and their home, style and budget. 

1. Price List

Upon any enquiry, you can ask me for a price list which I will send to you. 
These prices are based on readily available canvas sizes. If you would like to commission a certain size that isn't on the price list, I can send quotes for that specific size.
Each canvas price varies on size, framing, and if postage is required.

2. Initial Consultation 

The process of the initial consultation is completely free. Every piece, and every client is different. I've had clients who have a very clear idea of what they want, and others who need more of a design lead from me as to what will look good in their chosen room. I can provide ideas or colours and styles, and suggestions on sizing if you aren't sure what will work. I've also had clients who want me to view the space beforehand and give my initial thoughts, which can be useful.

3.Design Lead & Colour Palette

I ask clients to send a palette through of their desired colour scheme and the room which the art will be going into. If you aren't sure of what you want, I can work up a moodboard for us to agree on. I focus very much on the 'art for interiors' theme, and think its so important to take inspiration from the interior furnishings, decor and style to influence a piece. Every client style is different, from minimal and scandi to super eclectic, I'll make sure it fits into your space and style.

If there is any subject matter you'd like me to incorporate, I can do that too. I've had people ask if I can incorporate abstract versions of particular towns or cities, or qualities from their gardens or specific flowers. Anything goes - be creative! This can add another nice bit of personalisation to the piece. 

4.Payment

We can then agree on a size, price and design for the piece plus postage costs. You can also request to get it framed through myself (I get an artist discount at the framers so its a cheaper option if you are thinking the piece might need it!)

I normally ask for 50% deposit upon initial commission, and 50% upon completion of the painting. I'll then send it out to you. 

4. The Painting Process / Finalising 

I'll notify you when I am starting the piece, and will work it up to a point I feel happy with. I just do my thing really, and this can take from as long as a few days to a few weeks. As I said, every piece is different so if you are looking for a painting as a present or for a specific time I'd suggest you ask me at least a month before it is due. 

I'll send you pictures, talk you through what I've done, and then ask for your feedback. I can tweak colours, add more and take away to suit your requests. This means I can tweak the painting until you are happy with it and we can work together to get something you really love.  

5. Postage

When the painting has been finalised and you are sure you love it, I'll then ask for final payment and will send it out. Most postage I use is tracked and insured to make sure your piece gets to you safely. You will get updates of the item arrival and the delivery driver will have your details if there are any problems. Postage within the UK is included in the final price. Postage outside the UK will be an additional charge.

6. Ta-da!  You have yourself a lovely, unique painting for your home that has your personal stamp on it. Contact me via my email or on instagram. 

 



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The Barong and The Rangda.

6/1/2020

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This month I was approached to do a two piece commission for a hall space and stairway. The client had a few forest green walls, two very light grey walls and an assortment of frames and dark oak furniture with black accents. 

The clients wanted to incorporate their love  for travel to south east Asia. I asked the client to work up a moodboard so I could get a feel for the piece. She captured a lot of deep forest greens/teals. They also asked if I could incorporate some pops of colour which are seen in these countries (e.g. mustard African marigolds, koi carp, etc.) 

I'd never painted a two piece work before so this was a new challenge, but one I really enjoyed. They both look great separate but seeing them together creates a huge statement. 

These have been named The Barong and The Rangda which are two creatures that appear in balinese folklore / mythology. One is good, the other is bad. One cannot be without the other, which creates balance. Name chosen by client - and I think it fits nicely as these two complement each other so well! 
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Setting Room Plaster / Pink

5/25/2020

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I was approached to work up a commission for a hall space with a huge blank wall in need of some colour. The piece was to be influenced / designed around the colours used in the interiors of the whole house as well as interior furnishings and fittings.

The wall where the canvas was designed to go (to the right of the window) and the ceiling is painted in Farrow & Ball Setting Plaster which I used as a base for the painting. The wall down the staircase is Farrow & Ball Dead Salmon and these colours are also used downstairs together with brown leather, teak and bamboo so warmer, earthy tones were key in creating contrast in the painting.  Accents of moss/muddy green were introduced too - Dark green (Jewel Beetle by Little Greene) was used in the bathroom which is close by. The light fitting in the hall (I think you can just see it in the second photo) is black and brass. 

All of these elements were considered when starting the piece. Before starting I also created a moodboard & palette to give myself a reference to work from, and to inspire some of the shades and colours.
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The painting.

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I was really happy with how this piece turned out, although it was a slow process and there was a lot of trial and error with composition - once I got there I think the piece looks super statement yet soft because of the colours chosen, and the client loves it. 

This will be packaged up with a lot of love and care and sent to its new home in Manchester, I'll hopefully get some pictures from the client and do an update with how it looks in its new home. I love seeing how the pieces sit in the interiors they are designed for. Watch this space!
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