Painting & Drawing
Pia Elliot is a Dorset based pen and ink artist inspired by wildlife and the natural world, drawing influence from close observation both locally and through travel. Working entirely by hand, she creates highly detailed drawings that explore the contrast between patterned regularity and organic animal forms. Her contemporary style is self taught, originally developed from meditative doodling as a way to manage anxiety. This mindful approach continues to inform her practice.
Pia’s process begins outdoors, observing and photographing wildlife before refining sketches in the studio. She builds intricate layers of texture using pen and ink, selecting motifs from a personal ‘pattern bank’ developed from shapes and textures found in foraged natural objects. Her work captures the character and essence of each subject, inviting viewers to engage with the delicate complexity of the natural world.
About The Artist
Pia developed her drawing practice independently over several years, establishing a distinctive and recognisable visual language. Alongside this self-taught approach, she holds a BA (Hons) degree in Textiles, which supports her wider creative practice and informs her approach to creative projects and commissioned work. Her works have been exhibited in galleries across the UK, with career highlights including winning the Batsford Prize, solo exhibition ‘Wild Lines’ and contributions to ‘The Great Tail Trail’ in support of Julia’s House Children’s Hospice. Based in Wareham on the Dorset coast, Pia balances time spent observing wildlife outdoors with focused studio drawing, working in a thoughtful and immersive way. This approach allows her to create highly detailed, characterful artworks that reflect both technical precision and a personal, mindful way of making.
