finding inspiration, art & interiors Ali Mackie finding inspiration, art & interiors Ali Mackie

The Florilegium Collective: Your Source for Inspired Interior Design 

Feeling stuck staring at blank walls or overwhelmed by a jumble of furniture that no longer works? Making interior design decisions is as much of an emotional investment as it is practical and financial, and we know it can be overwhelming. Florilegium can be your escape! We aim to be an attainable source of inspiration, unique fine art, evocative design and inviting home accessories.

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finding inspiration Ali Mackie finding inspiration Ali Mackie

My Muse on the Windowsill: A Botanical Journey Through Everyday Objects

Botanical art often finds its inspiration in unexpected places. For me, a big chunk of that inspiration comes from an everyday muse: my kitchen windowsill. This seemingly ordinary space, filled with an eclectic collection of plants and objects, has become a treasure trove of stories waiting to be told in my paintings. Let me take you on a tour of the objects that spark my BRIGHT artistic creations. 

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events & exhibitions, art & interiors Ali Mackie events & exhibitions, art & interiors Ali Mackie

Skip the Click, Find the Spark: Why Open Studios Ignite Your Home's Soul

For the last few years, the focus of my open studio during the Bucks Art Weeks event has been art and interior design. Why? Because, for me, these two things are inseparable. A well-curated home that feels genuinely lived-in should be a haven. Sure, functionality is essential, but so are the finer aspects contributing to your well-being. This is where art comes in.

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sketchbook drawing, finding inspiration Ali Mackie sketchbook drawing, finding inspiration Ali Mackie

Cafe Sketches: Sparrows Steal the Spotlight in Algarve Sunshine

The aroma of a freshly brewed coffee mingles with the chirping chorus of birds in a sun-kissed Algarve cafe. These feathered bandits are fearless, snatching crumbs from unsuspecting patrons. While my usual holiday sketches depict botanical illustrations or lovely landscapes, this Portuguese trip ignited a new passion for bird drawings: capturing the playful spirit of these cheeky creatures.

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creative process, art collections Ali Mackie creative process, art collections Ali Mackie

From Still Life to Sprouting Surprise: Where Botany and Art Flourish in Bottle & Branch

A flourishing tale for art enthusiasts and plant lovers alike! I want to share a story about the unexpected turn my latest collection, Bottle & Branch, has taken. It all began with a simple idea: capturing the beauty of found branches through art. But as the project unfolded, nature added its creative twist, blurring the lines between artistic inspiration and botanical experiment.

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creative process Ali Mackie creative process Ali Mackie

Acrylic Alchemy: Why This Versatile Paint Captures My Artistic Heart

Acrylics are more than just paint; they're a medium with limitless artistic possibilities. For a mixed media artist like myself, this versatile medium is at the heart of my creative practice. Their appeal goes beyond compelling colours and into the realms of joyful exploration, for this malleable substance can be manipulated in myriad ways. 

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finding inspiration, art & interiors Ali Mackie finding inspiration, art & interiors Ali Mackie

Feast for the Eyes, Fuel for the Mind: Inspiring Art Books to Spark Your Creativity

Finding inspiration can feel daunting as winter blues linger and the world outside turns grey. But fear not, creative thinker, dive into a visual feast from the comfort of your own home with these 9 stunning art books. From gorgeous illustrations to captivating photography, these tomes will ignite your creative fire, fuel your artistic journey, and be the perfect eye-feasting experience.

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between the brushstrokes