Oil and Mixed Media

Medium: Annie Sloan Chalk Paint on Board | Dimensions: 40cm x 40cm x 1cm (Unframed)

“Year of the Horse” is a powerful contemporary interpretation of the Chinese zodiac, where calligraphy, symbolism, and florals converge into a single flowing movement.

In the centre of the composition, the Chinese character for Horse (马) transforms into a living form — not rigid typography, but a gesture in motion. Its sweeping curve suggests strength, independence, and forward momentum, qualities long associated with those born under this sign.

Surrounding the character, peonies bloom in layered tones of blush, ivory, and crimson. Traditionally symbols of prosperity, honour, and feminine strength, they soften and balance the boldness of theHorsee. Deep blue foliage anchors the composition against a rich, atmospheric green ground, creating a sense of depth and quiet intensity.

Gold detailing traces the form of the character, elevating it beyond language into icon. The metallic accents catch the light, subtly shifting as the viewer moves — a reminder that fortune and movement are never static.

This painting was completed live during exhibition, carrying with it the energy of presence, immediacy, and lived momentum. It stands not only as a zodiac piece, but as a meditation on drive and grace existing in harmony.

A statement work for collectors drawn to cultural narrative, symbolism, and contemporary East–West dialogue.

Medium: Oil on Board | Dimensions: 48cm x 67cm x 1cm

This painting captures a quiet moment in the early light, when the day begins not with certainty, but with gentleness.

Peonies gather in a porcelain vase beside an open window, their fullness softened by sheer curtains and drifting air. Morning light filters through the glass, touching petals, fabric, and surface unevenly, never fully illuminating, never fully withholding.

On the table below, broken porcelain rests quietly. These fragments are not accidents, but part of the story. They reflect the way light finds its way through imperfection, how beauty often reveals itself not in what is whole, but in what has been worn, chipped, or broken open.

The painting holds a delicate balance between inside and outside, stillness and movement, fragility and abundance. It invites the viewer to slow down and notice the small moments — the passing light, the fallen petal, the quiet acceptance that nothing needs to be perfect to be beautiful.

Medium: Oil on Canvas | Dimensions: 100cm x 150cm x 1cm

This painting explores the duality of beauty and longing through the language of scattered peonies in a bedroom setting. The same scene invites two interpretations: a moment of carefree romantic abundance, or a quieter narrative of seeking refuge and comfort within one's sanctuary.

It deliberately contrasts the idealised perfection of traditional Chinese Gongbi wallpaper—delicate, ordered, eternal—with the expressive immediacy of Western oil painting in the foreground, where peonies lie scattered across the floor in disarray. This technical fusion mirrors the painting's conceptual tension between the perfect and the lived, the idealised and the real.

The scattered flowers, the casually draped nightie, the unmade bed glimpsed in the mirror. Each element can be read as either joyful abandon or emotional vulnerability. The dramatic chiaroscuro lighting creates an intimate atmosphere that supports both readings, allowing viewers to bring their own experiences to the interpretation.

Medium: Oil on Board | Dimensions: 60cm x 70cm x 1cm

Crimson Reverie is a bold and striking oil painting that captures the passionate beauty of peonies in full bloom. With rich shades of crimson and burgundy, this artwork creates a dramatic visual impact. Measuring 60cm x 70cm x 1cm and painted on a high-quality board, this piece is designed to be a lasting addition to your art collection.

The painting features a dynamic arrangement of lush peonies, their textured petals and flowing leaves creating a sense of movement and vitality. Set against a soft pink background, the intense red tones of the flowers create a captivating contrast, drawing the viewer’s eye and evoking powerful emotions. This harmonious interplay of bold and gentle hues makes Crimson Reverie a versatile piece that fits beautifully in modern, traditional, or eclectic interiors.

This artwork is perfect for anyone who loves floral art with a touch of drama. It serves as a stunning focal point for living rooms, dining areas, or even professional spaces that need a pop of color and personality. Its vivid imagery makes it a conversation starter and a testament to the power of nature’s beauty.

Crimson Reverie is not just a painting—it’s an expression of passion and energy. Whether you’re an art collector or someone looking to elevate your home decor, this painting will bring warmth, elegance, and a touch of nature into your life. Celebrate the vibrant allure of peonies with Crimson Reverie, a masterpiece that embodies the richness and vitality of the natural world.

Medium: Oil on Board | Dimensions: 60cm x 70cm x 1cm

Whispers of Bloom is an exciting oil painting that showcases the timeless elegance of peonies. With its soft hues of white, blush, and delicate pink, this artwork brings the ephemeral beauty of nature into your space. The painting, measuring 60cm x 70cm x 1cm, is crafted on a durable board, ensuring longevity and vibrancy for years to come. The gentle pastel background provides a soothing contrast, making the flowers stand out with an ethereal charm.

This piece is perfect for art enthusiasts who appreciate the subtle beauty of floral art. Every brushstroke captures the intricate details of peonies, from their velvety petals to their lush, flowing forms. The impressionistic technique adds a sense of movement and life, creating the illusion that the flowers are swaying gently in the breeze. The soft palette is ideal for spaces where tranquility and sophistication are desired, such as living rooms, bedrooms, or elegant office spaces.

Whether you are a lover of botanical art or simply looking for a statement piece to elevate your interior decor, “Whispers of Bloom” will not disappoint. It also makes an exquisite gift for special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, or housewarmings. This artwork evokes feelings of peace and renewal, making it a timeless addition to any collection.

Own Whispers of Bloom and transform your space into a serene sanctuary. Let the delicate beauty of peonies remind you of the fleeting, yet unforgettable, moments of life.

Medium: Oil on Board | Dimensions: 40cm x 40cm x 1cm

Conversations in Stillness deepens the narrative of the Still Life: Life After Death series, presenting two flowers leaning toward each other in quiet dialogue. Their glowing petals, rich with reds and oranges, stand out against the dramatic purple-pink background, symbolising the vibrancy of connection amidst the inevitable passage of time. The curling leaves and stems create movement and balance, underscoring the interplay of life and memory.

This painting reflects the series’ overarching theme: that even in moments of stillness, there is a profound beauty in life’s transitions and relationships. It captures the ephemeral nature of connection and the enduring presence of love and memory.

An evocative piece for collectors drawn to art that explores life’s fragility, beauty, and emotional resonance.

The Still Life: Life After Death series is a meditation on the transformative beauty of nature’s cycles. Through vibrant flowers juxtaposed against muted, textured backdrops, the series invites viewers to find meaning in stillness, life after loss, and the quiet resilience of nature. Each painting captures a unique facet of this journey, making the series a celebration of beauty in every stage of existence.

Medium: Oil on Board | Dimensions: 40cm x 40cm x 1cm

In Whispers of Renewal, a single flower emerges from a serene green background, embodying the quiet strength and grace of life’s transitions. The soft interplay of light and shadow highlights the intricate twists of the leaves and stem, while the vivid reds and purples of the petals suggest vitality even as the bloom begins to fade.

This painting expands on the Still Life: Life After Death series by exploring renewal and stillness. The delicate tones and textures reflect the idea that even in stillness, life persists, offering a moment of reflection on beauty in all its stages.

A perfect addition to a collection for those seeking artwork that radiates peace, introspection, and the profound harmony of nature’s cycles.

The Still Life: Life After Death series is a meditation on the transformative beauty of nature’s cycles. Through vibrant flowers juxtaposed against muted, textured backdrops, the series invites viewers to find meaning in stillness, life after loss, and the quiet resilience of nature. Each painting captures a unique facet of this journey, making the series a celebration of beauty in every stage of existence.

This painting was created as one of The Peony Girl’s experiments with mixed media. The waterlily was painted with Chinese ink and pigments on silk to emphasise its purity, together with delicate features of the dragonfly. Other elements of the painting were added after mounting the silk onto canvas and painted in oil, to create heavier, crude texture contrasting with the lotus. The whole painting took around 22 hours to finish. 

The name "Rising Above the Silt", is a Chinese phrase used to describe a waterlily that grows out of muddy waters - like lilies growing in the marsh - yet untouched by the impurity, clean and beautiful. It implies virtue, purity and high moral values that are not tainted by the unfavourable environment. 

This painting has won the major prize of The Yellow Book Project (nationwide) to help support mental wellbeing.

If you like the painting but would prefer to purchase a fine art print - you can find it here. 

Size: 60 cm (H) x 50 cm (W) x 1 cm (D)