BEHIND THE BRUSH: PICNIC SEASON X ALEXANDRA BLUNN

Berry-based artist Alexandra Blunn is a painter whose work is full of joy, energy, and colour. Her practice is shaped by the landscapes of the NSW South Coast - rolling hills, ocean pools, and the rhythms of family life. Her paintings are bold and layered, often alive with playful details, hidden creatures, and even small contributions from her children, creating pieces that feel both deeply personal and universally uplifting. Working intuitively, Alexandra layers colour and pattern to build vibrant, immersive compositions. Her approach is playful yet considered, balancing boldness with a strong sense of harmony. She moves easily between abstract florals and contemporary still life, finding beauty in both wild landscapes and the quiet poetry of everyday objects. At the heart of her practice is connection - to nature, to home, and to the memories we carry forward.

Alexandra, let’s start with your story. What drew you to collaborate with Picnic Season?
I loved the idea of seeing my work come to life in a new way - outside of a gallery and woven into everyday experiences like picnics, family gatherings, and time outdoors. The values of connection, colour, and joy really resonated with me. I have always loved the idea of collaborating with picnic season and seeing my work out and about! My family and I am big Beach goers so the thought of laying on the sand on the picnic rug and seeing families using the products is super exciting!

For those new to your work, how would you describe your artistic style?
My work is expressive, layered, and deeply connected to nature. I often lean into bold colour palettes and organic shapes that feel spontaneous but balanced. At its heart, my practice is about energy, I want the positive energy I channel when I paint to jump off the work and make the viewer feel wonderful and positive.

What inspires you day-to-day?
My inspiration comes from the mundane, the fruit bowl on the kitchen table, utensils and the patterns I see on plates and bowls as well as the colours I see in nature whilst out and about.

Can you talk us through your process when creating the Picnic Season piece?
I always begin my process with an intuitive abstract painting to establish the feel and colour board for the piece.  From there, I built up layers of paint, letting shapes and textures emerge almost intuitively. I wanted it to capture that sense of joy, harmony, and warmth that comes with gathering outdoors. I love to include things from around the kitchen as well as fresh fruits and patterned plates to create a fun, colourful artwork.

What’s been the most rewarding or unexpected part of your journey as an artist so far?
For me, it’s the connections that art creates. A painting might begin as a private exploration, but once it leaves the studio it takes on a new life. Hearing how people connect with it is always surprising and rewarding. I love knowing that my work brings my collectors such joy and that they can look at a painting everyday and it creates a centrepiece in the home.

What do you hope people feel when they encounter your work?
I hope they feel uplifted and energised, but also grounded. My work is vibrant but not chaotic — I try to create balance and harmony through colour. I want the viewer to look into the work and find the little hidden fruits and patterns, to see something new and unexpected every time they view the artwork.

How has being a mum shaped your creative process or the kind of work you make?
I think being a mum has encouraged a sense of playfulness in my work that before I might have avoided - their love for bold colours and playful patterns and made me explore and looser and more candid style. I paint at the kitchen table amongst the chaos, so the kids are constantly commenting on the paintings and adding their opinions (and sometimes strokes) which I absolutely love! 

Your work has such a playful, uplifting energy. How do you keep that sense of fun alive in your practice? 
I try not to take things too seriously! I let colour lead the way and follow my gut. I love experimenting and letting the unexpected happen — that’s where the magic is. Having kids around definitely helps keep things light and full of surprise. I love the sense of fun that painting evokes. I have a ball when I am creating and I hope it shows though my work!

Any words of wisdom for artists juggling creativity with parenting or busy everyday life?
Just do what feels good - I believe the positive energy that is poured into a painting is definitely what attracts people to your work!

Where can people see more of your work or follow your journey online?
I share most of my work on Instagram at @alexandrablunnart. I also retail via Greenhouse Interiors, Jumbled and Few and Few as well as via my online store https://www.alexandrablunnart.com