In Conversation with Grace Percival
We caught up with artist Grace Percival on all things painting, flowers, and the process behind designing bespoke artworks for a selection of our seasonal arrangement guides. Grace Percival is a Brighton-based artist and designer with a keen eye for modern still life compositions, vibrant colour palettes, and playful detailing. Her work is infused with joy and her lively, light-hearted approach that centres around florals, tablescapes, and interiors.
There’s a beautiful synergy she’s created between her own style and the floral brief she’s been given in the form of some of our seasonal arrangements and we cannot wait for you to find these marvellous creations in your boxes
Tell us a bit about your path to becoming an artist.
I studied fashion and textiles, briefly thought bridal wear was the answer, and quickly realised it wasn’t. After some uncertainty, I answered a very cheesy internship ad about loving painting and drawing - which turned out to be true. That led to years of interning, working as a print designer, and eventually freelancing with studios, which I still do. Making my own work is what matters most to me now. It was daunting at first, but the freedom is worth it.
How did you find your unique style for still lifes? What keeps inspiring your favourite motifs and different takes on themes?
I’m a bit of an impatient painter, so my style comes naturally to that - quick, imperfect brushstrokes.
Wine bars are pretty much a constant - not necessarily for the reason you think. I like the table layouts: glasses, flowers, bottles, tablecloths. They’re usually ever-changing too, which makes them a constant source of inspiration, from bottle branding to the bud vases on the tables.
How does your background in fashion and textiles come into your practice?
Fashion and textile prints taught me to think about placement and layout. I apply that directly to how I arrange still lifes on the page.
You’ve created beautiful, bespoke artworks for a selection of our upcoming arrangement guides — what was your process of designing based on a floral brief?
I started with the flowers and their colours, then took words from the guide titles - Rhubarb, Butter, Gingham - to guide the palette and composition. Since the subject was entirely floral, it felt like a genuine collaboration.
Do you have a favourite arrangement out of the ones you did the designs for? What’s your most-loved stem to have around or incorporate into your work?
My number one has to be Butter Swirls. I’m a big fan of ranunculus, and that variety was new to me, so it was fun to paint.
How do flowers play a role in your art or life in general?
I like how flowers are ever-changing - they can transform a space instantly, from the variety to the vase. That constant variation is what keeps me interested in painting them.
Finally, do you have any exciting upcoming projects or shows you can tell us a bit about?
I’m working on a new line of prints - my first in over a year. Florals feature heavily, as usual.
To keep up to date with her latest dreamy designs, follow @grace.percival.design on instagram. You can also purchase prints or originals on her website.
