The story behind my art – and how it helped me find my style

“You drew that?” my dad asked when he unwrapped his birthday present. He was proud, I could see it in his eyes.

It was a miniature painting - a tiny house nestled in the countryside. I was ten years old. I had painted it with a flimsy school brush, the kind that refused to hold a point. But somehow, I had made it work. Because even then I had it in me: the images of a cosy life.

The picture has faded over the years, but if you look closely, you can even make out a little snowman.

Dad hung the painting in his study, where it stayed until the day he passed.

That memory is my guiding star. That artwork came from my childhood soul. It was pure, deeply felt and driven by the desire to make my dad happy. That is the essence of my art! I want to make people feel good with my art!

I know, it all sounds a little cheesy - but honestly, I wouldn’t know how else to put it.

Is my art whimsy and naïve? Absolutely! But there’s more to it than that.

Look closer - I mean really look! Notice the little details. My art is cosy. Warm. Uplifting. But it is also eclectic. Relaxed. And sometimes ironic, with touches of subtle humour. And above all, my art is an advocate for the conservation of nature and the preservation of habitats for wildlife and insects.

Living with the seasons

Ever dreamed of crisp autumn walks? Cozy winter nights by the fire? The quiet magic of a misty morning in the forest? A steaming mug of something delicious? Yes? Then we already have something in common.

My work is inspired by the Northern landscapes I’m lucky to be surrounded by. The ever-changing seasons, the scent of pine in the air, the way the light shifts throughout the day. It all seeps into my paintings. I love capturing that feeling of a slower, simpler life, where the little things matter most. As the seasons change, so does my art. I even swap out my wall art accordingly. Simple! But it makes me happy.

My favorite details

You might notice a few recurring themes in my art. Dogs and cats, for one. Since I share my life with some four-legged companions, they naturally find their way into my paintings. Hedgerows, full with life. Forest creatures, too—foxes, hares, owls. And, of course, my quirky characters, captured in those cosy little moments we all long for.

Make your home cosy with art

A home isn’t just about what’s in it—it’s about the stories behind the things we love. The handmade quilt. The chipped mug. The art on the walls that speaks to who you are. The flowers you carefully arrange (or just plop into a jar when time is short). Granny’s old dish. The kitchen garden on your windowsill you fiercely defend against snails. It’s these little details that make a space feel like yours.

My art invites you to pause for a moment. Maybe it’s a print that reminds you of childhood summers or a quirky illustration that makes you smile. Either way, I want my work to feel like a small, everyday joy.

I also believe in the little touches that make life more fun. That’s why I create colouring pages, garland, bookmarks and small paper projects for you. They’re small things, but they bring a little creativity into daily routines and offer a simple way to unwind.

Art that feels good

My goal is simple: to create art that feels good. That sparks joy. That reminds you to slow down, breathe, and take in the beauty around you.

In a world that often feels rushed and uncertain, I want my work to be a reminder that happiness can be found in the quiet moments, in the changing seasons, the wag of a dog’s tail or the steam rising from a cup of cocoa.

And if my art can bring even a little of that feeling into your home, then I’ve done what I set out to do.

PS: If you enjoyed this story, you might also like A Funny Cat, a Cosy Mess & Why Eclectic Cottage Style Makes Life Easier – a gentle reminder that art (and life) feel better when they’re a little imperfect.

Or if you are more in the mood for regular gentle inspiration, sign up for my newsletter and get the Free Cosy Kit – filled with printable art, colouring pages and calm creative moments for your wonderfully imperfect home.