Earthly Pleasures
Worcestershire-based Margaret Powell enjoys painting beautiful floral works, landscapes of the surrounding area and characterful portraits of cats. She skillfully recreates light and texture in a post-impressionist style, giving her paintings a vivid sense of depth and realism.We interviewed Margaret to discover more about her love of nature, explore her artistic influences and learn about her exciting collaborations with other Worcester artists.
Why do you create?
I paint as a way of connecting with the world around me. I try to see beauty in small and big things, whether at home or further afield. I am a classically trained artist, having started painting as a young child followed by fine art tuition by an art school professor from the age of thirteen. I am still learning every day! I paint most days and although I sell my work to collectors I would still paint if I did not. I cannot imagine life without painting.
“I paint as a way of connecting with the world around me. I try to see beauty in small and big things...”
Still life paintings of flowers are my go-to genre, but a few years back I returned to painting landscapes, particularly of my home county of Worcestershire where the dreamy Malvern Hills have inspired many others, but also Herefordshire and Wales. I do love a challenge of painting cat portraits too.
How and where do you work?
Wherever the light takes me... I move my heavy and overladen art trolley wherever great light happens to be - it could be outdoors, in my garden, or any room in the house, particularly my sitting and dining rooms, my daughter’s second floor room or even the family bathroom!

Good light is key, as I mainly paint from life. Winter months are are a bit murky so plenty of photos taken on my iPad help. Sometimes I use the iPad if I need to finish the painting but the light conditions have changed, so having a reference photo is helpful.
“My heart lies in post-impressionism and colourism. It always has and probably always will.”
I paint using oil as well as acrylic paints. I prefer brushes to palette knives nowadays. I love the fantastic blending opportunities that using oil paint gives an artist - what I don’t like is the months and months of drying time! Acrylics are great for colour choice and vibrancy, so I love them too, but they dry far too quickly for a traditional oil painter like me so I resort for professional slow drying mediums to give me more time.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Literally the world around me. I have a tendency to overthink and reflect on things… I love painting my home, where I set up my still life compositions because it is my soul place. I enjoy painting local landscapes because I am bowled over by their beauty and every time I walk or jog around I see something new and inspiring - a field of wildflowers, the different shades of green, particularly interesting clouds and blues in the sky.

What influences your work?
My heart lies in post-impressionism and colourism. It always has and probably always will. I love colour and how it is affected by light. I paint impressions - emotional connections to my subject or object in that particular moment in time.
Having painted for over forty years at different times I was inspired by different artists ranging from Manet Boznanska, Morisot, Pankiewicz and Vanessa Bell. As a teenager I was mesmerised by the European fin-de-siècle as well as British pre-Raphaelites.
Where do you sell your art?
I sell my originals and limited edition fine art giclee prints via my website. My greetings cards and giclee prints are also available on Etsy. A few local independent shops sell my art and cards locally too. I am currently looking into collaborating with an interior designer as well as a home staging service.
“Practice every day. Even if you don’t want to. Even if you don’t like what you have created...”
How do you promote yourself and your work?
I am a regular exhibitor at Worcestershire Open Studios. This summer I also exhibited at Bevere Gallery Studios as guest artist. I exhibited my sunflowers at Number 8, Pershore last month and I am due to exhibit another painting as part of Creative Showcase exhibition in Bromsgrove.
You can follow me on Facebook and Instagram for up to date studio news, tutorials and inspiration, or visit my website to subscribe to my newsletter.
What are your future ambitions?
I am looking forward to a group exhibition with Kirstie Trobe and Felicity Osborne as Three Worcester Artists. Perhaps a solo exhibition? I’m also looking forward to collaborating with a gorgeous and trendy small business in Malvern next year.

Do you have any advice for other artists?
Practice every day. Even if you don’t want to. Even if you don’t like what you have created - it is still practice. If you don’t like the way your painting is going, walk away from it. After a few days you’ll have more clarity as to where it is going. Get the best brushes you can afford. Enjoy creating - it is a part of you.
Massive thanks to Margaret for answering our questions. You can buy Margaret Powell's art from her website and Etsy, or follow her on Facebook and Instagram.