Hazel Wynn, a Jersey-born artist, channels her passion for color and natural beauty into vibrant, emotionally resonant paintings. With formal training at Chelsea College of Art in London, where she specialized in Textile Design, Wynn’s journey began with hand-painted textile designs sold internationally. Winning the Royal Society of Arts national bursary competition early on propelled her career forward, but her artistic path eventually led her back to Jersey, where she embraced Fine Art.
Influenced by early abstractionists and the Washington Color School, particularly Helen Frankenthaler, Morris Louis, and Paul Jenkins, Wynn’s work explores the dynamic interactions of color. Inspired by natural elements like underwater ecosystems and rainforest foliage, her pieces reflect the serene beauty of the natural world. For Wynn, painting is a way to connect with viewers on an emotional level, inviting them to share in her fascination with nature’s intricate patterns and vibrant hues.
Here is the artist’s interview.
What is your creative process like?
My textile design background has deeply shaped my love for colour and pattern, forming the core of my artistic practice. Inspired by the vivid beauty of the world, I create paintings that seek to connect with viewers on an emotional level. Studying at London’s Chelsea College of Art was transformative—I spent countless hours drawing and painting, often escaping to Kew Gardens. The lush tropical greenhouses became a sanctuary, where I sketched exotic flora that endlessly fueled my creativity.
Do any personal experiences shape your work?
Early abstractionists and the Washington Colour School, particularly artists like Helen Frankenthaler, Morris Louis, and Paul Jenkins, have profoundly influenced my approach to colour. My work revolves around exploring its nuances and dynamic interactions, guiding my artistic voice.
What challenges do you face as an artist?
Daily walks with my dog along the shore reveal the sea’s mesmerizing etchings in the sand—each fleeting pattern a spark for new ideas. I also find inspiration in podcasts on philosophy and psychology, which deepen my appreciation for the interconnectedness of life.
What do you want people to feel when they see your art?
Swimming in the ocean has introduced me to extraordinary marine life and vibrant seaweeds, while woodland explorations lead me to photograph intricate fungi, moss, and bark textures. At its heart, my art is an emotional response to nature’s wonders, and I hope my paintings stir similar feelings in those who experience them.
Hazel Wynn’s art offers a vibrant dialogue between color, nature, and emotion. Drawing inspiration from her surroundings, her work captures the beauty of marine life, lush forests, and fleeting moments etched in the sand. Through her exploration of color and pattern, Wynn invites viewers to experience the world through her eyes—where each hue carries meaning and every brushstroke is infused with feeling. Whether inspired by Kew Gardens’ tropical flora or Jersey’s coastal landscapes, her paintings remain rooted in a deep appreciation for nature’s wonders, offering a glimpse into her creative world and inviting others to find beauty in the details.
