I've been obsessed with marine life ever since I can remember, and I think it comes from the sea feeling like a completely different world. When you get to feel a part of that world, there's no better feeling. I think mostly I'm just captivated by the beauty of underwater species, and just how incredibly intelligent and fascinating they are. We are so lucky here in the UK to have so many incredible marine species and that has a huge influence on my work. If I ever need to find inspiration I either go for a rock pool or jump in the sea for a snorkel, and I come back feeling full of inspiration. My head begins spinning with the colours and patterns of the species I've seen and I just can't wait to get to paint them. 

I think I'm drawn to watercolours because of the delicate and free nature of them. To me it feels natural to capture the underwater world with a medium that you can use so fluidly, but that still provides so much colour and texture. I sometimes feel like watercolour isn't taken as seriously as other mediums, or that you can only create really light washes. I really enjoy challenging this and pushing the boundaries of the medium, by building up lots of colour and texture, to show just how much vivid detail you can get with watercolour. I have also been experimenting with how you can show watercolour not just on paper, I've used a lot of found Cornish slate to play with. It's been so fun seeing how much you can do with this medium on such a raw canvas. 

The Ocean Lover's Guide is an illustrated, fun and interactive guide to UK marine life. It was born out of a passion for UK marine life, and with a goal to encourage more people to get out there and discover just how many incredible species we have on our shore. I often feel that people take UK waters for granted, and instead just want to head to more tropical seas. Yes there are incredible species in other places, but I really feel that UK marine life is so incredibly diverse and underrated. I hope any reader of the Ocean Lover's Guide takes away a huge appreciation for UK species, and the passion to want to go on and protect them. I also hope that it encourages people to get out there more and just explore our shores. In a digital world we have a lot to be thankful for, but I think connecting with nature will always be one of the most important things. This book is to help you to connect with nature and discover just how magical it is. 

Bespoke commissions influence my work so much, because I feel it gets you out of your comfort zone. You aren't creating a piece that you've come up with, instead you are following someone's brief and trying to ensure you give them the painting they've dreamed of. It's such a great challenge and so incredibly rewarding when you have a happy customer. It's also such a fun and involved process, because you get to meet new people and chat with them in detail to bring that piece to life. Workshops are something I love to do, because connecting with people over art and nature is truly what doing this is all about to me. Whether it's a rock pooling session, where I get to see people in awe of how many species they see. Or whether it's a watercolour workshop and you see someone go from thinking they can't do it, to leaving with a piece they are really happy with. Both just make me feel like I am able to give something back to my community, to connect with people over a shared love and there is really nothing that beats that. 

I think art is hugely important in environmental awareness, I think art can really help to evoke change. If people don't appreciate something they aren't going to want to protect it. My goal within my art has always been to showcase the beauty, the diversity and the incredible nature of marine life. If you can educate and inspire people with how amazing these species are. Then people will want to join the fight to protect it. Love is the biggest motivator, and I think art is all about that! 

Rachael's art is all about taking creative risks and celebrating the beauty of the ocean. Her watercolors and fun Rockpool Rambles videos show how much joy and inspiration can come from spending time in nature. Rachael’s work encourages us to get outside, enjoy the natural world, and find our own ways to connect with and learn about our environment. Get your own copy of her book here, or enter our massive giveaway below, and enjoy exploring your local beaches!

Join us every Saturday at 10am at the Fittie end of Aberdeen beach for invigorating dips in the sea. The refreshing waters will not only revitalize your body but also uplift your spirits, offering a perfect blend of mental clarity and physical well-being.

For updates on volunteering at beach cleans, joining adventure days, and other upcoming events please see our social media pages.