Sophia Shaw

Terrace Garden

Pen & watercolour, 25 x 25cm

About

I am an illustrator based just outside of Chester city working from my narrowboat home/studio on the Shropshire Union canal. Life on the water very much inspires my work- from the wildlife and seasonal changes that I watch from my studio, to the beautiful countryside and gardens which line the UK’s waterways.

I am inspired by the things that I see around me. I hope to add an element of storytelling to my work by making detail the focus of my paintings.

My career began with a degree in illustration from Swansea Metropolitan and then a few years travelling and working abroad, learning, sketching and painting murals.

This helped me to develop my artistic style and start my career as an illustrator.

When I returned to the UK I painted my very first map of Wales and my passion for maps began. Travel and being on-the-move has always been a big part of my life, which is why I think I was drawn to map-making. I love to spend time pouring over a map book,the contours, ancient sites and amusing place names are so interesting!

Nowadays I work full-time on my art and manage a successful Etsy shop selling my greeting cards, prints and more. On weekends I often trade at markets and events around Cheshire and have my work stocked by a growing number of indie businesses and galleries around the country. I take commissions for portraits and illustrated maps of all types, both for private and commercial clients.