Art has always been a constant in my life. Some of my earliest memories are of crafting and drawing at the wooden dining room table in our Southeast London home. I can still smell the cheap children’s felt-tip markers and feel the thin, recycled paper—with a bright yellow sun in the top corner of the page, of course.
My first formal art class, Drawing I, in high school marked a turning point in my artistic journey, beginning with “Perched Owl.” This was my first “real” artwork—an experimental piece that accentuated textures like wood grain and feathers while playing with the stark contrast of black and white. The process of creating it, and the recognition it received, allowed me to find a sense of belonging with other art students and showed me how art could connect me to others.
I’ve been reconnecting with my creative side after stepping away from it for a time. It’s like the world has more color now, and I’m constantly inspired by the life happening around me. I invite you to explore my work and discover the meaning, process, and energy behind each one.
Style
My artistic style often focuses on high-contrast colors, bold compositions, and the interplay of light and shadow. I don’t deliberately decide what aspects of a subject to keep realistic and what to exaggerate; instead, I follow my instincts. I love noticing subtle characteristics in my subjects—textures, patterns, or colors—and making those the focal point of my work.
Growing up in London also influenced my style. Bold patterns, bright colors, and texture were prevalent in both fashion and architecture, shaping what I notice the world. This early exposure helped me develop a keen eye for rich, intricate textures, which now play a central role in my work.
Medium
My favorite mediums—pen & ink, watercolor, and acrylic—each allow me to explore different aspects of my style.
Pen & ink is where I rely most on texture and negative space, creating depth and movement through techniques like cross-hatching. Watercolor, which I approach with patience and intentional layering, is my preferred medium for realism, as its matte finish and subtle tones achieve a softness that acrylic cannot. Acrylic, on the other hand, is where I experiment most freely, exploring bold color combinations and varying brushwork to find the perfect balance of precision and expression.
Taryn de Meillon 