My name is Olive, and I’m a painter and illustrator residing in Dorset. I possess both a degree and a Master’s in Fine Art, complemented by several years of experience in illustration. Alongside my artistic endeavors, I teach Art and Photography and also serve as an examiner for AQA. When I’m not in the classroom, I devote much of my time to painting and illustrating, having showcased my work in various exhibitions across the UK, as well as in Ireland, Spain, and Japan. This year, I was thrilled to receive the Mount Collective award at the Dorset Open for one of my portrait paintings.

Travel, especially to Japan, fuels my passion and has significantly shaped my artistic expression. I draw inspiration from my experiences there, using photography to capture images that I later transform into paintings in my cozy studio at home. I love experimenting with different techniques and frequently play with various media to create unique outcomes. I have conducted workshops at the Shaftesbury Art Centre focused on portrait drawing, and I'm always eager to meet new people and share my skills, aiming to create an enjoyable and engaging learning experience.