Sarah Hill Art

Meet the Maker - Sarah Hill

What do you do?

I am a local watercolour artist and I paint vibrant, atmospheric watercolour paintings of the landscapes around me. I sell original paintings, Giclee prints and greetings cards of my images. My prints and cards are all produced by small, family-run businesses in County Durham. I exhibit my work in local galleries and shops and at National Art & Craft fairs. I take commissions and enjoy doing demonstrations and watercolour workshops. My painting style is very wet, splashy and loose- I love dripping paint everywhere and I particularly love teaching other people to do it too!

How did you get started?

I started painting during a long period of respiratory illness - to be able to focus on something so creative was both relaxing and healing because it stopped me thinking about not being able to breathe properly. When I was feeling better, a good friend entered me into an art competition in Yorkshire and I sold two of my paintings on the opening night! That really helped give me the confidence needed to start painting professionally.

Is this your full time job?

This is my full-time job (but so are my three kids!)

Where do you create?

I have a studio in Sunderland Bridge, just outside Durham City, which I share with three other artists.

Tea or coffee?

Coffee (but tea when I’m poorly)

Where is your favourite local place?

The Cathedral and Riverbanks in Durham - I see it every day but it still amazes me. Close second would be Hawthorn Dene and Castle Eden Dene on the Durham Heritage Coast - beautiful woodland walks that follow a stream and wind down to the sea… flask of coffee, kids in wellies, sketchbook, perfect.