Introducing Kelly Anna: our new Artist In Residence

As we continue of our long-standing support of Britain’s most brilliant artists and illustrators, we are thrilled to announce the arrival of Kelly Anna, our (extremely talented) new Artist in Residence. A London-based painter, designer, and mother, Kelly’s work is celebrated for its dynamic use of colour, energetic depiction of the female form, and sparking a feeling of joy that we simply can’t get enough of. From a 150 metre mural in Paddington Square to a rather more modestly-sized popcorn packet, Kelly Anna has worked with some of the biggest names (and tallest buildings) in the business, bringing projects to life with her bright and beautiful designs. We couldn’t be more delighted to have her exclusive illustrations decorating everywhere from our windows and website to our [Better Beauty Bag](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/events/beauty/the-fenwick-better-beauty-bag/2203e296-ac2d-40d6-b0ad-4e8201fcb1d8), so we popped along to Kelly’s East London studio to get to know her a little better. Read our interview below to find out what makes her tick, and enjoy a peek inside her inspiring world of technicolour over on our [Instagram page](https://www.instagram.com/fenwickofficial/?hl=en).

###### **How does a typical working day look in the world of Kelly Anna?** _KA: “A typical day now is incredibly busy being a full-time working mum and starts at around 6 am. I get up, have breakfast with my son, and will usually do a workout before I head to the studio. I have a studio manager who works with me and will also help look after the baby. I will always spend time in the morning just sketching a few figures - it takes a while to get warmed up, so I usually just get my pencil and just sketch a few big pages. I will then chat with my assistant about what we have coming up in the week and start scheduling projects. From then on it is usually a very hectic day of researching, painting, colour palettes, and baby songs.”_ ###### **When starting a new project, where is your first port of call for inspiration?** _KA: “My bookcase! I have a big collection of design and art books, so I love to start there.”_ ###### **What are your favourite three items in your studio?** _KA: “My paints, plants and I keep all the special thank-you notes and postcards I get from my collaborators and clients.”_ ###### **How do you want people to feel when they look at your work?** _KA: “I love the idea that people can look at my work and immediately feel uplifted, and that it can brighten someone’s day plus give them confidence.”_

###### **If you were to sum yourself up using a piece of your own work, which would it be?** _KA: "Her Grace" or "Rise up" (pictured above)_ ###### **Female empowerment is a strong theme in all your work. Is there a female role model that you admire the most?** _KA: “Definitely my own Mother! She raised four children pretty much by herself as my dad was at work 6-7 days a week.”_ ###### **Your largest work to date is Paddington Square’s incredible 150 metre Nature Nurture mural, and you’ve now designed a façade that spans the front of our Newcastle store. How does it feel to see your work on such a huge scale?** _KA: “I always dreamt of my work at this scale. When I create the work, I imagine it large scale using big sketch pads and walls, so it is only right that it ends up on a big canvas out in the world. I also love the idea of people walking past and being completely uplifted by the colour and the joy of it all. The world has felt very heavy recently, so it's amazing to be able to brighten someone’s day.”_ ###### **We love what you’ve done with our new Better Beauty Bag – what is the holy grail beauty product you simply couldn’t be without?** _KA: “I cannot live without [Dermalogica Phyto replenish oil](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/skincare/serums-and-oils/oils-and-gels/phyto-replenish-oil/2500002301276.html#sc=0&q=phyto%20replenish&start=1) - and also water!”_

###### **Your depictions of the female form are all bold, confident, powerful, and fierce – what gives you inner-confidence?** KA: “My own self-motivation and my strong mindset. I grew up doing a lot of sports and always had a very athletic mindset.” ###### **Your first Fenwick project was our egg-stremely delicious Easter chocolate collection earlier this month, what’s your preference - dark, milk or white chocolate?** KA: “I am plant-based so I would choose [dark chocolate](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/search/?q=dark%20chocolate)!” ###### **Your prints are synonymous with cheering colour and optimism. What brings you joy?** KA: A Pimms on a sunny day near a lake I can swim in. ###### **As an acclaimed artist, mother, painter, and designer we imagine life is very busy. When you get a moment to yourself, how do you switch-off and relax?** KA: “My favourite thing to do when having a moment to myself is definitely a facial – accompanied by a glass of wine, of course.” Why not start your Kelly Anna collection with our exclusive Better Beauty Bag? Receives yours when you spend over £125* across [Beauty](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/make-up).