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I am a watercolour artist based in Scotland and I paint nature in detail. Everything from flowers to wildlife, via pet portraits and illustration with detours into miniature art whenever I can.

The Orkney Book of Birds has just been published. I completed 50 full colour illustrations for this book over the course of four years, depicting each species within an Orkney landscape. Copies signed by myself and author Tim Dean are  available to purchase from this website and cards featuring plates from the book are now available as well.

Tracy Hall pictured with the family dogs on the beach at home.

Tracy at work on The Orkney Book of Birds illustrations

Royal Miniature Society President Elizabeth Meek and The Earl of Glasgow presenting Tracy Hall with the Gold Memorial Bowl

 

 

A bit about me....

I was born in St. Ives, Cornwall, daughter of potter John Struthers (take a moment to look at his incredible work on the Stoneware Ceramics website). I first came to Orkney in 1986 and live with my husband and children on the shores of Scapa Flow.

During the 1980's I ran my own hand knitwear business and later moved on to making hand-hooked rugs, before finally returning to my artwork after the birth of my eldest child. I began by selling paintings locally and never looked back - today I am a full-time professional artist and I love every minute of it (well, almost!).

Many of my paintings have been reproduced as prints and cards, and I also license artwork for use on all sorts of products. Nowadays I work mainly to commission for private individuals, companies and organisations - usually working about a year ahead. I have exhibited in Britain, Europe and the USA and my work hangs in private collections across the world.  My job is a privilege and a constant learning curve - whatever the subject.


I paint nature in all its forms. Botanical studies were my first subjects and flowers continue to be a very important part of my work. I also paint wildlife and farm animals, together with custom pet portraits and illustration. The variety is fantastic and endlessly inspiring; I feel very lucky to cover so many aspects in my paintings. I work mainly in watercolour (both transparent and opaque) - an incredibly versatile medium, whether I am working on fine fur and feathers or sweeping landscapes.

 


In 2008 I decided to include time for my own paintings as well as commissioned pieces and commercial work. I have been deeply honoured to not only have my paintings juried into major exhibitions but also to win awards in the  four principle miniature art shows in the UK and USA, including the prestigious Gold Memorial Bowl from the Royal Miniature Society.  Read more about my miniature paintings here.

 


You can now watch new step by step videos (left). 

Join me while I paint an owl - from the initial sketch through to the completed painting worked in watercolour on Arches HP paper.

You can also see a miniature painting in progress, in watercolour on crescent rag board. Double click on the videos to see them much larger. Do let me know what you think, and you can also subscribe if you would like to see more!

'Watercolour Artist Diary' is my artist blog which allows me to go into more detail on my work in progress and latest news. It is regularly updated - do have a look and let me have your comments and suggestions!


Watercolour Artist Diary


Exhibitions

2008

2009

Hilliard Society of Miniaturists, UK (Mary Scott Kestin Award for Animals & Wildlife)

Society of Women Artists : Mall Galleries, London 23rd April - 2nd May.

Seaside Gallery, USA

Society of Botanical Artists : Westminster Central Hall, London 24th April - 3rd May .

Parklane Gallery, USA

Hilliard Society International Exhibition of Miniature Art : Wells,  May 30th - June 7th. (Awarded HS signature status)

Royal Miniature Society, UK (Gold Memorial Bowl & Llewellyn Alexander Subject Miniature Award)

'A Million Brushstrokes' Llewellyn Alexander Gallery, London : year round.

Miniature Painters, Sculptors & Gravers Society, USA (Animals & Wildlife Award third place)

 

Miniature Art Society of Florida, USA (Permanent Collection Purchase Award)

 

Artists & Illustrators Magazine june 2009

 Publications

The Watercolor Artists' Flower Handbook

The Orkney Book of Birds

I recently completed the full colour illustrations for this beautifully produced book with author Tim Dean. Orkney is an internationally important location for birds and this volume is the result of four years collaboration, taking you on a tour of the islands and the species you are likely to see here. The book has now been published - please click on the picture for more information or to purchase a signed copy or greeting cards.

 

The Watercolor Flower Artists Bible

The Watercolour Flower Artist's Bible

I was asked to contribute to this wonderfully practical book that defies it small size by covering a wealth of topics from the basics (including materials and techniques) through to analyzing structure and composition. It includes examples from eighteen artists working in widely ranging styles and step by step demonstrations, tips and tricks. Watercolor Flower Artists Bible (US) or Watercolour Flower Artist's Bible (UK) 

Watercolour Flower Painter's Handbook

I am a contributing artist in this book edited by Patricia Seligman. The illustrations used  are from my sketchbooks and have never been published before. My work is featured in a six page chapter entitled 'Learning through detailed sketching'  which shows examples of my sketches, from rough ideas to almost finished paintings, and gives details of my approach and techniques. "Based on the sketchbooks of some of the leading floral artists working today, this beautifully illustrated book gives step by step demonstrations and practical advice in a variety of styles and mediums."

Long and Short Sticch Embroidery - a collection of flowers

Long and short stitch Embroidery:  A collection of Flowers

My flower paintings have also used by Trish Burr in her latest book of Botanical Embroidery published by Sally Milner. She has expertly converted them into floral 'needle paintings' and the results are amazing! To buy this book or read reviews on Amazon, please visit the 'Bookshop'.

"In this stunning, colour illustrated collection of floral embroideries, the author of 'Redouté’s Finest Flowers in Embroidery' introduces needleworkers to her unique, long- and short-stitch “needlepainting” style of portraying flowers like a botanical painter.

The Animal World Magazine

Cover Artist, articles and interviews (USA, Nov 2005 & Nov 2006)

 

 Artists & Illustrators Magazine

Botanical Artists' Special Feature (June 09)

 


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Natural History Illustration

I completed a series of illustrations of dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies commissioned for the Orkney ID Field Guides.

Shown below are the nine most common species of Butterfly found here, together with some of the Dragonflies found in the islands. This is an ongoing project illustrating the flora and fauna of Orkney.

Signed archival Prints and cards of the paintings are now available - please visit the Butterflies, Dragonflies and Damselflies page and for more information.

 

These botanical studies were completed recently for the Vikings Heath Project run by the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group. This project has been set up to raise awareness of and preserve the maritime heath and grassland environment.


 

My very grateful thanks go to the following people for their generosity in allowing me to use their photos for reference as well - Mike and John Struthers, Mungo Montgomery, Judy Schrader, Lesley Hartman, David Jacks and Brian Hewitt.

Also to all the other people who let me sneak up on their pets, farm animals and other furry or feathered charges, those who have helped me track down hard to find flowers, and last but not least to my husband for growing such a wonderful garden full of subjects for me to paint year after year and my kids for putting up with a mother who paints! 

Common Seals photo copyright tracy hall 2006
 

© Copyright Tracy Hall 1997 - 2009. All rights reserved. All artwork images on this website are protected by international copyright law. No image on this website may be used for any commercial or non-commercial purposes without prior written permission and licensing agreement from the artist. Genuine licensing enquiries are welcome. To arrange a licensing contract to use images, please get in touch.