My Process
Hello, I’m Louise Ellwood Parker, an artist and illustrator based in a little village in the AONB (area of outstanding natural beauty) on the north west coast of England.
I create artwork using acrylic paint and ink, painting predominantly on reclaimed vintage timber and driftwood. I’m constantly experimenting with new materials, but always consider the environmental impact of each material I choose. I especially enjoy re-purposing materials that previously have had a life as something else.
I love all wildlife but tend to gravitate towards and paint birds. I am so passionate and hugely inspired and fascinated by these delicate yet remarkably strong creatures.
Texture is an important element of my work. Layering up the feathers, I paint quickly and instinctively adding flowing line details to create movement and texture. I like my birds to have life and personality and have developed a unique style that helps depict the characteristics of each species, creating works of portraiture.
I feel it is so important to draw attention to the dramatic decline of bird life and hope my work, in a small way, encourages you to notice these beautiful creatures as characterful unique individuals
About Me
I grew up surrounded by animals, taking in any unwanted or injured strays. My parents allowed me to have whatever pets I wanted as long as I looked after them. So it wasn’t long before we had a house full.
After many years trying to find who I wanted to be, I returned to painting, something my dad had always thought was my “thing”. First experimenting in my sketchbooks but then moving onto painting on other surfaces. My dad was a carpenter and wood carver. I spent a lot of my childhood helping him draw out designs onto timber. I still have some of his sketches with my added improvements! So it didn’t take me long before I had turned to this material as one of my main surfaces. It felt like home.
I live with my husband, our three beautiful children, a little rescue dog, a herd of guinea pigs and two crazy hens. I’m still as quick as ever to rescue those in need. In the last few years I have raised 9 orphaned ducklings, a lost, day old baby pheasant, an injured starling and a dunnock mauled by a cat. Hopefully they are all still enjoying life locally.
My Studio
For several years we holidayed in a vintage caravan.
After it came to the end of its towing life, we relocated it into our back garden and repurposed it into my studio.
It is full of treasures, books and art supplies I have collected over my lifetime.
A quiet place I can paint, play and create. It is also somewhere that I keep organized and tidy, unlike our house!
