Colour, creativity, gin and a serious love of the Dorset coast!
Dorset has some brilliant food, gorgeous places to explore, fantastic local businesses and some seriously talented artists. So when I discovered the colourful artwork of Dorset artist Rozanne Bell, I had to find out a little more about the lady behind it.
I’m a bit of a cross-stitch fan myself, and I came across Rozanne’s artwork on Gecko Rouge. I ended up buying two kits for myself and one for my mum – because obviously I needed an excuse to buy more!
Rozanne was born in Zimbabwe and is now based in Dorset, where she creates colourful, fun artwork inspired by the places and experiences around her. She also has a pretty big love for Dorset and the South Coast, so I couldn’t resist asking her a few questions.
Where did your love of painting begin?
It all started when I was 15 and got expelled from school. My punishment was to stay at home and paint! My mother was a fine artist, so she taught me how to paint flowers. I went back to painting when I was 18 and haven’t really stopped since.
What inspires your artwork?
Fun and colour! I don’t take myself too seriously and I want my paintings to make people smile. If I ever stop enjoying painting, I’ll set fire to my brushes!
Why did you choose Dorset?
Dorset is such a gentle county and I wanted somewhere lovely to raise my five children. Four of my five children have now settled in Dorset too, so I think that says something!
Where is your favourite place to paint?
I love painting “out of my head”. I can’t copy something real – my images are stored in my brain and then come out on the canvas. My paintings are a bit of a conglomeration of Africa, England, Scotland and France, with a sprinkle of Spain thrown in for good measure.
And finally… what’s your perfect Dorset day?
“I drink gallons of Gin, and love Seafood – dog walks in Dorset ARE THE BEST!!”
Well Rozanne, I think you’ve definitely found your way onto the right blog! Gin, seafood, Dorset and coastal walks… sounds like my kind of day.
If you fancy seeing more of Rozanne’s colourful artwork, you can find it on her website or through specialist art retailers such as Wyecliffe.
www.rozanne-bell.com | Wyecliffe – Rozanne Bell & Friends
