Hannah Ivory Baker is a self-taught artist based in North London painting flora, seascapes and landscapes. Working predominantly in oil paint, Hannah explores the dynamic interplay between texture, light, and form. “I am inspired by the natural world, the rugged Cornish coastline and serene Somerset Levels, to hedgerows and wildflower meadows. These landscapes provide a wealth of artistic opportunities, each possessing the essential elements necessary for creative interpretation and expression.”

Hannah’s style is semi-abstract, leaning towards expressionism and impressionism rather than realism. This approach allows her to capture the essence and emotional impact of the landscape or still life, focusing on the interplay of colour, light, and texture to convey a sense of place, atmosphere and movement.

“My technique is mostly alla prima as I feel that this approach enables me to capture the immediacy and energy of a scene, recording the basic shapes, tones, and light in a single session. I start by painting the main features of the landscape, seascape or floral piece, then intuitively develop the rest, allowing the painting to evolve naturally and organically. Some paintings demand a longer process that takes place over several days or weeks.”

Texture is a crucial aspect of Hannah’s work, providing a tactile dimension that invites viewers to experience the physicality of the paintings. The versatility of oil paint, with its ability to transform into glossy, translucent fluids or thick, impasto layers, allows her to manipulate the medium to convey depth and detail. Wiping away paint to reveal underlying tones or scratching into the paint layer to enhance the illusion of space and highlight different areas of composition.