Drawing nature

It seems fittingly summery, to finish August immersed in nature. So this week we chat with our current social media artist and Croydon resident Mirri Rowland who runs Drawn to Nature. A watercolour artist who specialises in illustrated prints, enamel pins and stationery, Mirri talks about her work and how the natural world inspires her.

Croydonist: First of all, Croydon native or convert, and what area do you call home?

Mirri: I am a Croydon convert (fully committed now) moving here to be close to my brother in 2020! Initially living in South Croydon, and am now located in Sanderstead with my boyfriend and dog.

Croydonist: How did you become an illustrator?

Mirri: I have drawn my whole life!! But I was always told I wouldn’t be able to do it as a career or monetize it so I’ve basically done every single other job possible alongside it – until I eventually started doing it full time at the start of the pandemic.

Croydonist: How did you develop your style?

Mirri: When I went travelling, I said to myself I was going to draw every day – I think this helped me to practise and create my own style. Simply drawing the nature I saw around me whilst visiting new countries, and drawing just for myself without the pressure of having to share it.

Croydonist: Why nature?

Mirri: I mean, why not??? I find it so peaceful and calming, but on the flip side it’s so crazy and mind boggling – it’s just an endless realm of inspiration.

Croydonist: Where do you create your work?

Mirri: I’m really fortunate to have a large second bedroom in our apartment, which I’ve converted into my art studio! Each wall is painted a different colour; pink, orange and green obviously. I’ve got all my prints displayed on one wall, and then a gallery wall filled with art from other talented artists and small business friends on another. I have lots of storage for all my art supplies, product stock and market equipment, which helps me keep it all very organised. Tidy workspace, tidy mind!

Croydonist: What’s your process?

Mirri: I do a lot of research before I start a new print. After thinking of a theme, I read different blogs and forums, and start looking into different elements I could draw. Generally I will sketch out very rough shapes first to create the composition, then I’ll work in sections. I draw outlines first, then paint a base layer of colours. Whilst this is drying I can do this to another illustration. Following this, I’ll go back and work on the previous illustration building up layers and details. Once the watercolour is done, I will add highlights using gouache paint, and finish with fineline pens to create a strong outline and more texture with a smaller fineline pen.

Croydonist: How long does a piece typically take you?

Mirri: Gosh this really depends. Sometimes an illustration can take a few hours, another time it could take all day! It depends on the size and detail. That being said, I like drawing small things so I can do a bit of art and then go off and do something else. A full print with 12-20 detailed illustrations, usually takes me about 2 months to complete.

Croydonist: What’s been your most challenging piece of work?

Mirri: I would say my most recent commission for Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology – this was so far out of my comfort zone, but I was so determined to challenge myself and smash it in doing so!! It was fun to use different painting techniques, that I probably wouldn’t use if I was painting a flower or animal, for example the stone frog – I had to build up multiple layers of paint to create the limestone-y natural effect of the statue.

Croydonist: Classic interview question – if you had to invite three creatives to a drinks party (dead or alive) who would they be?

Mirri: One of my favourite all time artists is CJ Hendry – a hyperrealist artist, who is also hilarrrrrious (follow them on Insta!!) constantly in awe of their talent and would love to know more about their technique and their inspiration behind their huge exhibitions.

Yayoi Kasuma – I find her art absolutely mesmerising, but also her life is so, so interesting. She has really struggled with her mental health her whole life, but you wouldn’t automatically assume that with how beautiful and joyful her art is.

The creators of Studio Ghibli – don’t think this needs a reason haha.

Croydonist: Favourite spot in Croydon for inspiration?

Mirri: Selsdon Woods during Autumn – so good for mushroom spotting! I’ve seen different Amanitas, Amethyst Deceivers. I was very excited to see a Red Russula last year!! Also loads of wildlife there, loads of bugs, birds and deers.

Croydonist: What’s next for you this year?

Mirri: I’m just about to do my first trade show in September.. Very excited but also terrified! Hoping this will grow my business and boost my exposure to more independent museums and retailers.