Paula’s Protea

This artwork was born from a day of shared making and mutual inspiration. My colleague and friend Paula – an exceptionally talented artist, spent the day painting alongside me in my studio. She arrived with a striking protea from her own garden and a bold black-and-white striped tablecloth, both of which became the main focal points in my painting.

More than a still life, this painting is a reflection of creative companionship. We worked side by side, exchanging thoughtful feedback, celebrating small discoveries, and deepening our shared love of art. The piece speaks to the idea that artists are not meant to work in isolation; growth often happens in conversation, in collaboration, and in the gentle act of seeing through another’s eyes. Sometimes that growth is found in something simple, mixing two colours to find the right tone, or having someone notice what you’ve overlooked.

Paula’s Protea is a tribute to that generosity of shared creative spaces.