A little introduction
Welcome
Hello, I'm Sophie, a Devon-based illustrator and Forest School teacher designer inspired by nature. With a deep love for the flora and fauna of Britain, I specialize in painting local species using the versatile medium of gouache.
Whether I'm beachcombing along the coastline, foraging for wild food, or exploring the wonders of rock pools, I'm constantly immersed in the beauty and diversity of the outdoors. Each discovery fuels my creativity and finds its way into my designs.
Where it all began
Inspiration
From childhood I have always felt fascinated by the plants and animals which surround us. I spent hours wading bare foot through the shallows, following darting fish through the seaweed. Or identifying mushrooms hiding beneath the leaf litter in local woodlands. Or, catching frogs, newts and sticklebacks from the stream in the valley where I grew up. Although I've grown a lot since then, the natural world still strikes we with complete awe and wonder. The more I explore, the more I realise just how much there is to learn.
what it's all about
My Mission
Through my artwork, I aim to not only celebrate the richness of British wildlife but also to inspire others to connect with and appreciate the natural world. From the delicate petals of wildflowers to the intricate spirals inside my favourite seashells, my paintings invite viewers to explore and cherish the wonders of nature.
Whether you're a fellow nature enthusiast, an art lover, or simply seeking inspiration, I hope my creations bring you joy and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Thanks for being a part of the journey!
Step into my cosy little studio...
This magical little space is tucked into the far end of my living room where I've managed to squeeze in two desks, my printer, a bookshelf (essential), all of my art supplies and too many knick knacks and nature treasures (that last part is obviously a joke - there can never be too many). Stock, packaging and everything else is hidden away in cupboards, wardrobes and boxes under the sofa, but it works for now!
I'm so lucky to have a dedicated place where I can sit down, sip tea, light a candle, put on a podcast and create. If you'd like to spend a little time here with me then check out my socials for photos and videos where you can watch me at work and come along for the process.
When I'm not painting, you'll find me...
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Wildlife Watching & Visiting National Parks:
I've hiked up a Cairngorm mountainside to meet the UK's only free roaming reindeer herd. In the Forest of Dean I was lucky enough to spot six wild boar piglets (or 'humbugs' as they're fondly referred to) snuffling through the undergrowth ahead of me. I traveled to mid-Wales with my binoculars to see an Osprey on its nest and sat in a cosy bird hide to photograph red squirrels in a Scottish forest. Every trip I plan revolves around nature reserves, rewilding or top wildlife spots. Next on the bucket list is visiting puffins on Skomer Island!
Closer to home, I go for river dips and look for kingfishers shooting past overhead. I record the primeval-sounding bellows of fallow deer during rutting season, or learn how to identify the fuzzy little bumblebees who busy themselves in the wildflower patches in my garden. My plant and fungi knowledge is added to each year on long walks with a handy field guide and camera to capture everything I find.
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Reading Books, Listening to Podcasts, or Writing Poetry:
Although I am an artist now, writing has always been a big part of who I am. I studied Creative Writing at Bath Spa University after a childhood spent scribbling poetry into notebooks in my bedroom. The course taught me a lot about creativity in general, much of which I apply to my work at Sophie Ellen. In the future I dream of picking up the pen again to combine my words with my illustrations... so watch this space! Whenever I'm painting or doing Sophie Ellen admin I'll always have a podcast or audiobook on to keep me company. Then, at the end of the day, there's nothing more cosy than climbing under the covers with a physical copy. Reading allows me to explore new places (both real and imagined) from bed and quells the itch for adventure that niggles at me daily. Books are the one purchase I can never deny myself and my collection of non-fiction nature writing, field guides and fantasy novels are ever-growing. Good recommendations are always welcome in my inbox!
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Foraging, Finding Local Folklore & Tuning into the Wheel of the Year:
Recently, there has been a big resurgence in interest around folklore and Wicca/Witchcraft/Earth-based religions and I am SO HERE FOR IT. As a child I loved listening to the tales of King Arthur while walking through the ruins of Tintagel Castle, peering into neolithic burial chambers up on Dartmoor, making 'potions' in the garden or leaving offerings of shiny pebbles and upturned acorn caps for the local fairies. As an adult, I still see and feel the magic in the natural world around me. The 'real world' feels a little dull and boring without some ghost stories, seasonal celebrations or little rituals thrown in. Foraging for and learning about the traditional and medicinal uses for plants and fungi feels like a whole other form of magic to me! Occasionally, I create fantasy and folklore-inspired paintings simply for my own enjoyment. These ideas come to me while out in nature (often walking through the woods - my favourite place). I hope to thread more fantasy elements into my work going forward, as I truly feel that myth and folklore are an integral cord in our connection with nature and place.
