Samantha Dolan

Samantha is an artist and illustrator creating vibrant, colourful work inspired by botanicals, the natural world, and outdoor adventures, many of which start from her home studio in Milnathort. Her illustrations are a joyful and energetic celebration of fun and freedom, brought to life through a distinctive maximalist style.

Having focused on oil painting during her time at art school, Samantha's growing interest in visual storytelling has led her practice to evolve towards illustration. Her work can be enjoyed on stationery, art prints as well as fabric. Samantha also illustrates children’s books and has worked on public art trail sculptures, including an 8ft giraffe and a life-sized highland cow!

Aesthetic

Samantha finds inspiration in the Scottish outdoors, often sketching and painting while exploring hills and forests. The botanical world plays a central role in her creative process, with Scottish wildflowers frequently appearing in her work. She hopes to encourage a deeper appreciation and connection of the rich and varied plant life found right on our doorsteps. She also creates fun, adventure-themed artwork that echoes the joy of being outside, whether hiking through woodlands or swimming in favourite spots. She aims to capture and preserve the memories of past adventures and inspire new ones.

Samantha hopes her work can bring a little of the outside in and be a visual reminder of the vitality and freedom experienced when connecting with nature.

Her designs are bold, expressive, vivid in colour and intricate in detail, reflecting the verdant nature and beauty of the great outdoors.

Practice

Samantha’s favourite way to work is on paper with paint and pencil - traditional, messy and bright, although when needed she also includes digital processes, all combining to create a rich and textured feel to her work.

All her designs begin with sketches when out and about and when back in her studio, Samantha continues to develop her design using her favoured watercolour and gouache paint, along with an array of colour pencils and crayons. Scanning her work and working digitally enables her work to be used in so many different ways, whether illustrating a book or as a surface pattern for any number of products.

Samantha enjoys working on commissions, bringing your personal outdoor adventures to life in her bold and joyful style