CURATED CREATIVITY
Selected artworks from Jilly's Global (International) Collection

Building Passions

Based in Worcestershire UK, Jilly Oxlade-Arnott is a talented watercolour and fine line ink artist specialising in architecture. With dark lines and vibrant hues her illustrations leap off the page, capturing not only the structure but also the character of the buildings.

Together with her husband Chris, she now runs The Gallery in Pershore. A creative space where visitors can relax, browse and purchase art by Jilly and selected guest artists. We spoke to Jilly about her new venture and her lifelong passion for art and architecture.

When did you start drawing and illustrating?



I've loved art since I was a little girl, always bugging my mum asking her "what can I draw?". I often did my school friends art homework, naughty I know! My very first job was at an art gallery that had café above, the perfect combination.

Friar Street, Worcester

Where do you create?



I have a studio at my home but you will also find me painting at the National Trust Croome where I am artist in residence. Like many artists I do like to turn my hand to almost any creative activity; knitting, crochet, sewing and I consider cooking a creative art form too!


Van Gogh has to be my favourite artist. I love his use of colour and application of paint.

How do you promote yourself and your art?



Social media plays a large part in marketing my work. Prior to becoming a full time professional artist my background was in marketing. I believe in creating art that can promote and work for businesses providing them with additional revenue. Churches in particular always need funds and creating greeting cards from their commission is a great way of doing just that.


King Charles House, Worcester

How do you get your inspiration?



My father was an architect which gave me my passion from a young age. I have travelled extensively and love studying the diversity, shape and form of a country's heritage.

I am very lucky to be the co-founder of The Gallery in Pershore so have the perfect place to paint surrounded by talent. We have approximately 30 guest artists work so constantly have new work arriving. I always keep an eye out when driving and often seen buildings that I fall in love with and are crying out to be captured in watercolour. I have quite a long list!


Remember there are no rules in art, find your style and create what you love.


Van Gogh has to be my favourite artist. I love his use of colour and application of paint. Andy Warhol provided the inspiration behind my Pop Art work. I love colour and have a very bold and vibrant style in the way I put down watercolour.

Do you have any advice for younger artists?



Remember there are no rules in art, find your style and create what you love. If you are passionate about it others will be too.


Thank you for answering our questions. You can learn more about The Gallery and see more of Jilly's work by visiting her website. You can also follow Jilly on Twitter and Instagram.
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