Nicole Wilton – The Designer Project
Our current feature artist as part of The Designer Project is the wonderfully creative designer Nicole Wilton and we have been so fortunate to have her talents on board!
Nicole has offered a range of her hand-painted, watercolour designs as print-ready artwork in our Fabric Shop online, with each being available to print onto any of our stock fabrics! What’s more exciting is that the artist herself has shared with us a guest blog which discusses her primary inspirations and creative processes.
Keep reading to find out more about Nicole Wilton and her ‘Spring Harvest’ Collection!
Nicole Wilton
I’m more surprised than anyone when I tell people I am a watercolour artist and designer. I was previously studying medicine – true story, I was going to be a surgeon! And before that, I’d studied and worked as a medical scientist. Safe to say, I’d never really thought of myself as much of a Creative.
Painting in Studio
Completely self-taught, both in painting and the digital side of surface design, the learning curve has been steep to say the least. My designs all begin on paper. Sometimes I start by sketching out ideas, elements or whole patterns. And then I paint. A lot! All my designs are hand-painted in watercolour. I love the delicate honesty of watercolour. It is so beautifully imperfect, and captures the glorious forms and features in nature.
Painting at Desk
The whole process of painting – with an actual brush and paint and paper – it’s part of the joy of it all. Once scanned in, I can easily get lost in editing and creating patterns for hours. Seeing my paintings realised into patterns and ultimately products is such a thrill. I sewed an apron for my eldest girl using Heirloom Carrots – it brings a lot of fun and joy to the kitchen.
Painted Elements for Snow Pea Toss
As mama to three little people, I do most of my painting and design at night while they sleep! Our wildlings love to be involved in the process though too – we gather and forage together, sketch and paint. We’ve even collaborated on a few patterns.
Inspiration for Loads of Lemons
I’m never short of inspiration (just time!) – home-grown lemons led to Loads of Lemons, while veggies from the garden and our dinnerware set inspired Tossed Snow Peas and Wilton&Co Posy. I like to use neutral tones and simple forms to capture the striking beauty and understated elegance of Australian flora. While vibrant colours and playful patterns celebrate our delightfully ordinary days filled with gardening and honest joys.
Painting Elements for Heirloom Carrots
Born and raised in the country, my love of all things rural is reflected in designs inspired by everything our home paddock has to offer. Alongside my wonderful husband, we’re raising our three little wildlings in our home among the gum trees. It’s simple. It’s honest. It’s joy.
You can follow along @nicolewiltondesign
Nicole Wilton
If you want to collaborate with us on The Designer Project and become part of this creative club, please apply! Send us an email with your portfolio and why you would like to be part of this initiative, and we will be in touch!