Meet the artist: Hannah Cole

Hannah Cole has been part of the Whistlefish artist family for over a decade. Based in Brighton, where the sea is never far away, her artwork brings together calm coastal scenes, soft colour and a gentle sense of humour. In this combined artist interview, Hannah shares how she began, what inspires her, and the tools she returns to in her bright loft studio.

Hannah Cole in her Brighton loft studio.

Life in Brighton

Where are you currently based?

I'm in Brighton, at the top of one of the steepest hills in the city and about a five-minute walk from the sea. My studio is currently in the loft. I shared a lovely studio with friends for years, but it sadly closed down to be converted into flats. Our little house is like a Tardis - I walk through my 14-year-old son's room to get to my studio. It is a cosy space with a lovely amount of daylight and many noisy seagulls on the roof.

Both my children are water babies and love leaping off the groyne by the pier. We still meet up with old studio friends for tea and cake, too.

Hannah's bright loft studio.

How Hannah Became An Artist

How did you become an artist?

I did a degree in illustration here in Brighton. After graduating, I spent some years working as a freelance illustrator, and then showed my paintings in their own right for the first time as part of the Open House Trail in Brighton Festival. It is a yearly event where people open up their homes or studios to the public. It was a great way to show my work and chat to people about it. This gradually led to more exhibiting and publishing work, and I have been lucky enough to paint full-time for years now.

Can you share a few things people might not know?

1. I failed my art GCSE the first time around.
2. I was told by my tutors not to apply for the illustration degree course in Brighton as I probably would not get in.
3. I love camping and dream of one day owning a camper van.
4. During lockdown, we built a climbing wall up the back of our house and a fireman's pole coming out of my daughter's bedroom. We keep meaning to take it down, but I do not think my daughter will ever want it removed.

Creative Process And Materials

How do you begin a new piece?

I take loads of photos whenever I'm out and about and often use these as reference. I block in the base colour with big brushes first, then sketch the rough composition on top in chalk. I may paint over those first marks, but I like to get rid of the white canvas. Then I work over the first layer mainly in acrylics, building up layers and scratching back details. I often work on several canvases at once; some sit in the corner for months until I decide what to do with them.

Which tools could you not live without?

Acrylics and a hairdryer... I like to work fast. Possibly my scalpel too. I use it a lot for scraping back paint and working on details. I also love Liquitex gloss varnish, as it really brings out the colours in a painting.

Coastal Inspiration

Where do you get your inspiration?

Anywhere and everywhere. I love walking by the sea, getting lost in Pinterest, my children's drawings, music, books and little everyday things. I observe people and their dogs, listen to conversations, take photos and make mental notes of how colours work and how composition ideas begin.

I usually start the day with a walk or run by the sea or in my local park. Sea swimmers on the seafront, dog walkers in the park and small moments from daily life can all influence a painting.

Kitty's Corner canvas by Hannah Cole.

Which colours do you return to most?

It would have to be the blues. I have a vast array of different blues, which come more naturally to me than warmer tones. I am enjoying mixing lots of greens at the moment too, especially green and pink together, as in Slipway.

Is there a story behind Slipway?

This was one of those paintings that sat on the shelf looking at me for several weeks. I was not happy with it, but was not sure what it needed. Sometimes I have a clear vision of how I want a painting to look when I start, but this one was more spontaneous. It is loosely based on a photo I had taken of the slipway in Padstow years ago.

Cornwall, Devon And Whistlefish

How often do you visit Cornwall?

Not often enough - it is a long way from Brighton. Mousehole is a favourite because it is so picturesque. Heading back to the West Country always feels like going home, and I love the wildness of the North Devon coast, where I grew up.

What makes you proud of your work?

I do not think there is one particular piece I am most proud of. I feel proud that I have been able to sell my paintings for the last 20 or so years and that they still seem to be popular. I am still amazed whenever I see my work in print, and I feel very lucky that I get to do this for a living.

What do you enjoy from Whistlefish?

I love the mugs. They are my perfect sized mug, and I love the bone china. We use them all the time at home, and a few friends and family have had them for Christmas too.

You can explore more of Hannah's coastal style through Hannah Cole artwork, discover more framed prints, or look through Hannah Cole gifts for thoughtful pieces inspired by the coast.