About Caroline

Every artist’s journey is shaped by a constellation of influences, both big and small. For me, inspiration is a living, breathing thing, woven from childhood memories, the beauty of nature, playful experimentation, and the vibrant energy of community.

Childhood Wonder: The Spark That Started It All

My earliest creative memories are filled with storybooks, magical creatures, and afternoons spent doodling in the margins of my notebooks. Those moments of pure imagination, when anything felt possible, still guide my hand today. I strive to capture that sense of wonder in every quirky character and whimsical world I create, inviting viewers to rediscover the joy and curiosity of childhood.

Every artist’s creative journey is shaped by a unique constellation of influences, and for me, inspiration is found in the joyful, the poetic, and the deeply human.

The Joy of Children’s Paintings

There’s something magical about the way children approach art, fearless, playful, and utterly unfiltered. I’m endlessly inspired by the bold colours, imaginative shapes, and pure storytelling found in children’s paintings. Their work reminds me to let go of perfection and embrace spontaneity, allowing my own art to remain fresh, quirky, and full of wonder. I often find myself channeling that childlike spirit, letting my brush dance across the canvas with curiosity and delight.

Words as Seeds for Imagination

Another wellspring of inspiration for me is the written word. I love to collect excerpts from poems, stories, and even snippets of conversation, letting them spark new ideas for my art. Sometimes a single line of text will conjure an entire world in my mind, a whimsical scene, a quirky character, or a moment of quiet magic. These words become the seeds from which my mixed media pieces grow, adding layers of meaning and narrative to each work.

Birds, Butterflies, and the Wonder of New Life

Nature is a constant muse, and I have a special fondness for birds and butterflies. Their delicate forms, vibrant colours, and sense of freedom often flutter into my paintings, symbolizing transformation, hope, and the beauty of small moments. And then there’s the theme of “babies in tummies”, the miracle of new life, the anticipation, and the gentle connection between mother and child. This motif appears in my art as a celebration of beginnings, nurturing, and the quiet magic that exists in the everyday.

Nature’s Whimsy: Devon as Muse

Living in Devon, I’m surrounded by rolling hills, lush gardens, and ever-changing weather. Nature’s little surprises, twisting tree branches, sunlight glinting on river water, wildflowers blooming in unexpected places, often find their way into my work. These details help me build layered, imaginative scenes that feel both familiar and fantastical.

Mixed Media: A Playground for Creativity

I’m endlessly fascinated by the possibilities of mixed media. Combining acrylics, paper collage, and found materials lets me experiment with texture, colour, and form. Each piece is a playful exploration, a chance to see what happens when different elements collide. This spirit of experimentation keeps my art fresh and full of surprises.

Characters with Heart

At the centre of my work are the characters, quirky, whimsical beings inspired by people, animals, and moods. Each one has a story to tell, and I love the challenge of bringing them to life in a way that sparks joy, nostalgia, or a sense of mischief. My hope is that these characters invite viewers to step into my imaginative worlds and find a bit of themselves there.

Inspiration is everywhere, sometimes in the grand, sweeping moments, and sometimes in the tiniest details. My art is an invitation to see the world through a more whimsical lens, and to find a little magic in the everyday.

The Magic of Textiles and Stitches

One of my favourite ways to add personality to my work is by incorporating textiles and stitches. I’ve experimented with everything from scraps of fabric to stitching through paper, layering textures and colours to create pieces that invite you to reach out and touch. These tactile elements aren’t just decorative; they’re a reminder that art is meant to be felt, both with our hands and our hearts.

Playful Experimentation: Beyond Paint and Paper

For me, creativity doesn’t stop at the edge of a canvas. I love to experiment with other mediums like clay and crochet, letting my hands explore new textures and forms.

Even the surfaces I use are unconventional, cereal boxes, orange juice cartons, and other everyday items often become the foundation for my art. There’s something deeply satisfying about giving new life to these humble materials, transforming the ordinary into something whimsical and unexpected.

Bringing Characters to Life: Dolls

One of my greatest joys is bringing my painted characters into the three-dimensional world by creating dolls inspired by them. These dolls aren’t just replicas, they carry the same quirky spirit, voice, and personality as their painted counterparts. It’s a way for me to extend the narrative, allowing my characters to leap off the canvas and into the hands and hearts of others. Each doll is a tactile, huggable piece of my imagination, inviting play, comfort, and connection.

Weaving It All Together

By blending the joyful abandon of children’s art, the evocative power of words, the beauty of nature, and a spirit of playful experimentation, I create layered, imaginative worlds that invite viewers to see everyday life through a more whimsical lens. My hope is that each piece feels like a storybook come to life, a place where magic, nostalgia, and transformation are always within reach.

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Inspiration, for me, is about staying open to possibility, finding beauty in the overlooked, and joy in the act of creation itself. I hope my art encourages others to rediscover their own sense of wonder, and to see the world as a place brimming with magic, just waiting to be found.

 

© 2026 Caroline Turner (ArtyCaroline). All artwork displayed here is protected by copyright law. No part of this work may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form without the express written permission of the artist.