My advice to myself is ‘keep going until you smile’.
Exploring the creative process behind an artist’s work offers a glimpse into the unique ways they see the world, draw inspiration, and translate ideas into visual forms.
In this interview, we dive into the artistic journey and practices of Paula Perry, who brings an intuitive approach to her art, crafting pieces that are deeply influenced by nature, travels, and personal experiences.

LSA: What does your artistic process look like? What helps you decide on a palette, size and material for a new piece?
I work intuitively, choosing a palette I am drawn to at that particular time, often influenced by the colours I’ve seen in nature on any recent travels or experiences (with a good dose of blue, regardless!).
I start with a surface – this can be anything from an old painting which I am not happy with, to a pristine piece of aluminium, primed mdf panel, or primed canvas. I prefer working in larger scale as I find this ‘loosens’ me up a bit to be freer with my mark making, however I interchange this with working on smaller pieces for variety (both for me and the customer).
Nothing is particularly planned, I go with what I feel at the time, and what materials I have available. I tend to work in series, so developing a number of paintings at the same time – this brings some consistency to my work which otherwise would not be there due to the intuitive and experimental nature of the way I approach it. I tend to avoid doing the same thing twice in all aspects of life, and so I guess this is how my personality shows up in my art!
I am currently trying to get better at sticking with specific techniques and processes and developing them further, so I can move my work forward.
LSA: Can you recommend a local spot or experience that other artists or art enthusiasts might find particularly inspiring or enjoyable?
My inspiration is from nature, particularly landscapes and seascapes that we don’t really find in the Midlands, so it’s hard to recommend a spot for inspiration! This means I have a great excuse to keep travelling the UK and the world though, if one were needed.
Generally, the Midlands has a fabulous arty ‘scene’, with such a variety of work, events, talent, and activities for all – I’ve participated in workshops learning eco-printing and linocut, and there are so many others available. When I first started art classes, it was at the Art Group Studios in Leamington Spa, which is an incredibly inspiring place to paint – high ceilings, warehouse windows, and full of objet’s d’arts to get you thinking. They still do art classes now, focussing on kid’s classes and this is great for getting the next generation enthused and involved.
Other than that, to be honest, one of the most enjoyable things locally is volunteering in the Art room – it is such a lovely and uplifting space to be in for a few hours. The frequency that the exhibitions are refreshed makes for diverse and fresh experiences every time you go, and the customers keep on coming back for more! The community of volunteers is also very special and I’ve had some fascinating chats with fellow volunteers whilst working alongside them.
LSA: What will you be working on during your time in residence at the LSA? Are you creating any new pieces specifically inspired by this environment?
At this late stage, I still haven’t fully decided! My intention at the moment is to create an abstract landscape, developing the approach given to my recent ‘Elemental’ series, but based more on a specific place (to ground the ideas).
Once I am set up in the Art Room space and I get going however, who knows where it will take me! I sometimes create realistic paintings (usually of a small cropped composition to give it an air of abstraction), and so if there is a particular vignette that catches my eye…
‘Make your escape and let your mind wander…’ During lockdown in 2020, Paula launched ‘Make Your Escape,’ a project recreating favourite places to inspire joy and daydreams. A virtual exhibition followed, with proceeds supporting the mental health charity Mind.
LSA: For those who might not be familiar with abstract art, what advice would you give them on how to approach and appreciate it?
My advice for creating an abstract piece would be to go with a very general notion or concept (a landscape, a colour palette, a piece of music even) and not to overthink it. I work without reference photos, to avoid falling down a ‘realistic’ rabbit hole and fussing over details.
I usually stand up to paint – this gives fuller movement in your body and frees you up for more gestural mark making. Working on larger scales also does this. I choose my painting surface, and lay out a palette of colours I am drawn to and which will create the general ‘mood’ I am after.
Start with bold marks – don’t be tentative, just get stuck in there! Brushes (unless very large) are more suited to detail, so grab your palette knife, squeegee or sponge to get going. More recently I have started with loose lines – charcoal, chalk and oil sticks are all great for this.
Keep standing back from your work to have perspective on it. When you get stuck or can’t see where to take the painting, turn it round 90/180 degrees and find fresh inspiration in the marks and the composition. Go with what inspires you about it regardless of what your intentions were originally for the piece, and don’t worry about what it might look like at the ‘end’.
My advice to myself is ‘keep going until you smile’ – I realised this is when I know the work has all come together and it is done! (Well until the ‘little tweak’ gremlin creeps in!)
For me, appreciating abstract work comes down to the feeling it gives you, and I believe that is very much a result of the colour palette used and the composition. If you love it you love it, and a painting doesn’t need to be ‘of’ something to make sense to you.
LSA: Your work explores forms from the tiniest details to vast landscapes and even the cosmos. What draws you to these contrasting scales?
Probably the inherent contradictions in my own personality!! As with painting surface, size, style, and influences, the subject matter I use also shares the same variety. Upon closer consideration though, the theme running through pretty much everything I do is ‘Nature’s shapes’ – the same shapes are replicated across these contrasting scales and are endlessly interesting and fascinating.