Flower-Inspired Wildlife Art from My Garden and Studio | Louise Luton Art
From the Studio to the Garden: A Joyful Journey in Paint and Petals
As I walked with Bumbles down by the river early this morning, the sunlight gently burned away the mist curling over the meadows. It felt like one of those quietly magical starts to the day – the kind that reminds you how beauty often lives in the little things. Birdsong overhead, paws trotting beside me, and the growing buzz of summer in the air. I came back from that walk and felt a renewed sense of joy. Not the kind that shouts, but the kind that hums quietly in your chest.
That sort of joy has a way of sneaking into the studio too. I’ve been painting steadily behind the scenes, working on some beautiful commissions and creating new work for my publishers – pieces that will make their debut as prints at the New Forest Show in July. It’s been a busy time, but one that’s also let my creativity grow in its own gentle rhythm. And as always, the view from my studio window, the ever-changing garden, and the creatures that wander through it all feed my work in the most unexpected ways.
Last week, I visited the flower festival at Salisbury Cathedral with my mum. It was glorious – a riot of scent and colour and stories told through blooms. I took my sketchbook with me (of course) and found myself not only sketching, but also chatting with people, swapping stories about gardens and favourite flowers. There was a warmth there that has stayed with me all week.
And then, like perfect timing, Chelsea Flower Show burst onto my screen, filling my feed with more floral inspiration. Add to that the delight of watching the peonies in my own garden unfurl – those tight little fists of potential popping open into huge, blousey blooms – and, well, it’s no wonder I’ve had flowers on my mind.
Some of my animals have been flower-adorned for a while now – Petals & Plumes the peacock, a certain Highland cow whose horns curl through a cascade of soft petals, and a hare nestled amongst cornflowers and daisies. But there’s more blooming under the surface. Recently, I’ve been working into landscapes that are full of movement and flowers, hints of wild meadows and tangled hedgerows – pieces that feel like walking through a memory. Those are with my publishers now, and I can’t wait to share them with you soon.
Recently, I’ve been working into landscapes that are full of movement and flowers, hints of wild meadows and tangled hedgerows – pieces that feel like walking through a memory. Those are with my publishers now. I love these two and the original, and first edition of the prints will be on my website soon.
So today, I just wanted to invite you in. To pause with a cup of tea and have a gentle browse. There’s a whole collection of original work waiting quietly on my website, each one with its own personality, its own moment captured in oils and joy.
If you haven't already, do subscribe to newsletter as you can get 10% off and free shipping; it's my way of saying thank you for being here.
I hope you'll find something that speaks to you, something that reminds you of a walk you took, a pet you loved, or a corner of your home that deserves a little more beauty.
Warm wishes,
Louise x
In the Studio with Louise Luton: Inspiration, Materials and Advice for GCSE & A-Level Art Students
I'm here to help with some advice for students.
Are you studying GCSE or A-Level Art and looking for real-world inspiration?
I’m Louise Luton, a professional artist who swapped the classroom for the canvas. In this post, I’m sharing my journey, what materials I use, who inspires me, and how I turn sketches into vibrant oil paintings. Whether you're creating coursework or just love painting, you’ll find loads of helpful tips inside.
📚 What’s Inside the Guide:
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🎨 My Artistic Journey – From teacher to full-time professional artist
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🖼️ How My Work Has Evolved – From landscapes to wildlife
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🧠 Where I Find Inspiration – From Wiltshire skies to African safaris
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🧴 Materials I Use and Why – Oils, sketchbooks, pigments, and more
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🦁 The Story Behind My Wildlife Work – Including a special lion painting
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✏️ Sketchbooks & Drawing Tips – Why experimentation matters
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🎓 Advice for GCSE & A-Level Students – Getting inspired with any materials
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🧵 Artist Influences – From Michelangelo to Monet and Turner
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💡 Creativity, Light & Process – What keeps me painting
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📥 Download the Visual PDF – Take it with you for coursework or sketchbook work
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✅ Final Thoughts – A message of hope and encouragement
Inside the the studio with Louise Luton by Louiseluton
f you'd like to keep this resource for your coursework, sketchbook, or just a boost of inspiration when you need it, you can download the full illustrated guide as a PDF. It’s packed with colourful visuals, quotes, and extra insights I hope you’ll love. Just click below and keep it handy!
Whether you're just starting out or already developing your own style, remember that being an artist is about showing up, experimenting, and letting your creativity grow. I hope my story and process help you feel excited about making your own work. Keep sketching, keep painting, and keep discovering what makes your art unique.
Why you shouldn't hold back from buying art if you like it
Why you shouldn't hold back from buying art.
Have you ever found yourself drawn to a piece of art but hesitated to make it yours? Maybe you thought, I don’t know enough about art to buy it, or worried about the cost, or even felt intimidated by the idea of "owning" art.
Let me share something: buying art isn’t about being an expert or spending a fortune. It’s about finding something that speaks to you, something that brings beauty and joy to your life every single day. Whether it’s an original painting or a high-quality print, owning art is one of the most fulfilling investments you can make.
Here are some common reasons people hold back—and why they shouldn’t.
1. You don't really know about art
The idea that you need to know about art to buy it can hold people back from experiencing its joy. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to be an expert to love art.
Art is about connection. It’s about how a piece makes you feel when you see it on your wall, the memories it evokes, or the sense of calm or inspiration it brings to your space. If you’re drawn to a painting or print, that’s all the expertise you need.
There’s no "right" or "wrong" way to enjoy art. Trust your instincts, and choose what resonates with you. When you do, you’re not just buying something to decorate your home—you’re adding a piece of beauty and meaning to your life.
But isn't art really expensive?
Art is often seen as a luxury, but it doesn’t have to be. Original paintings are priced to reflect the time, skill, and materials invested in creating something one-of-a-kind. However, there’s also an affordable and equally meaningful alternative: high-quality prints.
I work with a family-run, independent publisher here in the UK to create prints of my artwork. While they supply some large retailers, at their heart, they’re a small business, just like mine. Together, we create beautiful prints that capture the essence and emotion of my original paintings.
Prints are an accessible way to bring art into your home without compromising on quality. Framed and displayed with care, they can transform a room, spark conversations, and bring daily joy—just like an original piece.
Art galleries are really intimidating
If you've ever felt uncomfortable walking into an art gallery you're not alone. However, the galleries that I work with are small independent businesses and are happy to welcome you. They don't mind if you don't know anything about art and they certainly won't try to bamboozle you with grandiose language! Instead, they're hoping that you have the courage to walk into their Gallery because you quite liked the look of it. And maybe you saw something in the window that caught your eye. You can browse at your own pace ask questions or simply enjoy the pieces that speak to you. Art should feel approachable because it's made for people to connect with and enjoy not to intimidate or exclude.
AI art is cheaper and just as good?
Ouchie. As you can imagine, traditional oil painters like me might not be too fond of AI generated images. AI might be fast and inexpensive, but it lacks the soul and storytelling of something created by a human hands. Every brushstroke in my paintings holds intention, emotion, and a piece of my heart. There's no algorithm that can replicate what I do with paint and a brush! When you buy a painting or even a print created by a real artist you're not just getting an image you're getting a piece of their journey, their vision, their craft. These are things that bring lasting value and meaning to your home far beyond what any AI generated image can offer.
Why buying art matters
Investing in art isn't just about decoration; it's about supporting creativity, small businesses, and a community of independent artists. When you choose to buy an original painting or print you helping sustain the work of real people who pull their passion into every piece they crea and for you? All becomes a lifelong companion it transformed your space, tells your story and brings daily joy. It's not just something you own, it's something you live with, connect with with, and Treasure forever. So whether it's an original oil painting or framed print don't let hesitation hold you back if a piece speaks to you that's reason enough to bring it into your life
A little bit of explanation about my lovely Whimsical woofers and why they're fabulous!
The glorious Whimsical woofers collection.
My whimsical woofers collection started with my own beloved cockatoo Mr. Bumbles. I created a painting of him just as a bit of fun really and it was the start of something great. I started painting various different breeds and usually the original of each breed sold immediately. And then the prints have been put together to create an amazing collection. I'm often messaged and asked about this collection so this blog talks to you through the originals and the prince. So if you're thinking about buying one, it's well worth spending just a couple of minutes looking at the videos to help you decide.
Click on the video below to see the whimsical woofers prints.
This video show you the paper they're printed on, how they're sent to you, and gives you a better idea about the size.
https://louiselutonart.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_9329.mov
Whimsical woofers originals
Click on the video below to see a couple of the original whimsical woofers. At the time of recording these were both available on my website. But if you're browsing at any of the original whimsical woofers this video is worth seeing to give you an idea of the size and the quality of these lovely paintings.
https://louiselutonart.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_9330.mov
The Creative Entrepreneur's Secret to Staying Focused, Inspired, and Organized.
How My Monthly Planner Became My Creative Compass
As an artist and creative entrepreneur, finding balance between creativity, business, and daily life isn’t easy. Years ago, when I was a teacher, I carried my planner around like a little Bible. It told me where to be, when to be there, and what was coming next—a lifeline amid the chaos of lesson planning and classroom life. When I transitioned from teaching to running my own creative business, I discovered I needed a new kind of structure, one that went beyond managing appointments. I needed something to help me grow as an artist and a business owner.
Over time, I built my own business planner, a resource that I now use monthly to stay grounded, focused, and inspired. I created this planner not just to organize my time, but to give myself the space to reflect, plan, and prioritize what truly matters to me. Unlike a typical daily planner, my monthly planner has become a ritual—a time each month where I sit down, unplug, and dive deep into both my past progress and my future plans.
Why a Monthly Planning Session Is My Secret to Staying Inspired
At the end of every month, I take 45 minutes to an hour, switch my phone to “Do Not Disturb,” and fully immerse myself in reflection and planning. Sometimes I’m working toward specific goals—like prepping for an upcoming show, focusing on commissions, or building a new collection. Other months, my calendar is more open, allowing me to set creative goals that might not have an immediate payoff but are crucial for my artistic growth. During these quieter months, I’ll often use my planner to outline personal projects, take an online course to refine my business skills, or simply spend time experimenting with my art to keep things fresh.
This monthly ritual doesn’t replace my day-to-day diary. I still keep a physical diary for appointments and use Notion for task lists and projects to stay organized. But my monthly planner is different; it’s a tool I use to zoom out and look at the big picture. It’s here where I get to think strategically about my next steps while making sure I’m investing my time in a way that feels purposeful and balanced.
How My Planner Supports Creative Growth and Learning from Failure
Running a creative business can be overwhelming, especially when you’re wearing all the hats. My planner helps me break down big ideas into monthly focus areas, allowing me to tackle my goals without losing sight of my artistic side. Whether it’s organizing a marketing push, preparing a new collection, or giving myself the freedom to play and fail, my planner reminds me that I’m allowed to explore. Failure, after all, is part of the creative process. Some of my biggest breakthroughs have come from failed experiments that taught me more than any “success” ever could. Learning to navigate these ups and downs keeps me engaged and reminds me that growth often comes from taking creative risks.
Why This Planner Works for Creative Entrepreneurs
If you’re an artist, solopreneur, or anyone balancing creativity with business, this monthly planner can be your guide. It encourages you to pause, reflect, and make intentional choices about how you spend your time. Planning each month isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about giving yourself the space to dream, reflect, and grow.
This planner allows me—and can allow you—to approach each month with purpose, whether it’s a month full of deadlines or an open canvas for new ideas. Having this dedicated planning time keeps me moving forward, grounded, and focused on what matters most in my creative journey.
For those interested in using a planner like this, I’ve made it available as a digital download, along with two free bonus resources to help you stay visible and focused as you build and grow your creative business. If you’re ready to make space for your creative goals each month, take a look—I’d love for this planner to support your journey too
