The Cocktails: Pimms Painting

Yasmin French is a contemporary British-Iranian artist specialising in acrylic paintings of animals, landscapes, and scenes inspired by travel. Using acrylic paint, I explore colour and humour to create beautiful works of art. I am based in Hampshire, UK, but take inspiration from travels across the world, taking photographs along the way. I have been painting and exhibiting locally since the age of 13. My subjects vary from figurative scenes, portraits, and animals and I typically use acrylics or mixed media. I have learnt many techniques from my mother, Soraya French. I am largely self taught, without a formal art education background. I prefer to learn from professional artists, attending workshops wherever I can. My professional background is in photography, and I consider myself lucky to keep painting as a creative pursuit. It allows me greater freedom to experience and try new techniques. A lot of the paintings I create are intended to bring warmth, light and humour to the viewer; capturing expressions of animals in various poses. I can’t tell you a favourite animal – there are too many beautiful species to choose from. I also enjoy capturing scenes that evoke a curiosity or whimsy, such as my Moroccan men, standing huddled in a group, whispering and making deals amongst themselves. I couldn’t really tell you why I paint – I’ve been drawing and painting since I could pick up pencils, and I just couldn’t imagine a world without art. It’s unfathomable! If I’m staring at something a little too long, it’s probably because I’m imagining how to draw it or capture the light that hits it. My favourite material includes: Golden, Liquitex, Cryla, Derwent, Windsor & Newton, and FW Inks.