Established in 2013 Lorraine Fletcher is a Galway-based artist whose captivating collection of wildlife inspired prints and giftware celebrates the beauty, strength, and spirit of animals through vibrant colour.
Lorraine’s studio is based in Kinvara at The Burren Nature Sanctuary where there are endless inspirational views and wildlife.
Her paintings are a combination of vivid colours, with a focus is on the animal. Expressions and compositions are important in Lorraine’s work, with an importance on the beauty and strength in each animal, from the elegant stag to the curious and powerful owl.
After the school drop off, its coffee and a quick walk around the Burren Nature Sanctuary where the studio is situated. Its a meet and greet with the animals and Amber my studio companion loves a ramble before I settle down to work. The usual email check and focus on my to do list from the night before. This can be painting a pet commission or preparing prints for shops and online orders. Throughout the day, we take short walks and it really helps with fuelling my creativity , as the sanctuary is home to many wildlife and native plants. In the evenings I work from my home studio, catching up on admin and some sketching for future collections.
To keep going and not give up when the going gets tough. Be prepared for set backs and take criticism as a learning advantage.
Lorraine Fletcher
The variety of jobs which I get to do. I also teach a weekly art class to adults in Rehabcare, which I find fulfilling and so inspiring.
We have a gorgeous burr elm bowl from my father Brian Fletcher Woodcrafts.
What do you like least about your work?
I think a lot of artists would have the same idea, but admin can take over sometimes and its not quite as interesting as creating.
It’s usually collecting my son from school, and planning what I’m going to do tomorrow on the journey home.
What do you listen to?
A mixture of folk/trad to blues and rock, everything in between!
What’s your favourite time of the day?
I would have to say night time, I enjoy painting at night as it is so quiet and I’ve always been night owl. The ideas seem to come to mind at this time of day.
What other maker in your discipline do you most look up to?
I love the work of Heidi Wickham, also an artist inspired by animals.
How do you switch off?
I play fiddle and enjoy getting out and about for a few tunes. Long walks in nature with Amber always recharges the batteries.
How do you start your day?
First thing is to put on the coffee and slowly wake up!
Favourite meal?
Thai green curry with prawns
