DIANE HILL

What drew you to chinoiserie? I first discovered it at university and liked how chinoiseriewallpaperswerenon-repeating panoramics. I also love nature. When I joined a handmade chinoiserie wallpaper firm in the UK, they sent me to China to learn to paint on silk with natural brushes. Tellusaboutyourapproach. Chinoiserie wallpapers are so lavish, and often only available to the extremely wealthy. I want to share them with the world at a more affordable price. My technique is quite unique in that I paint onto pure silk, which is specially treated and backed with paper, using watercolours. I use two brushes, one loaded with paint and the other water to create a perfect gradient. I then paint very fine details with a precision brush. Where do you draw your inspiration from? Mostly 18th-century Chinese and Japanese art, particularly woodblock printing for the beautiful compositions and colours, as well as Indian miniature paintings. dianehill.co.uk