July 2026

Name: Isla Prentice

How did your creative journey start?

My creative journey started at a young age, heavily influenced by my mother. She was always making or mending something, and we spent a lot of time drawing together. Those early experiences sparked my creativity and taught me to see beauty and potential in everyday things. My father, who is a farmer, also had a big influence on me. Growing up around someone who was constantly fixing, building, and finding practical solutions to problems showed me the value of creativity in a different way. Watching both of my parents work with their hands inspired me to develop a creative mindset and appreciate the process of making and improving things. As my passion for art and design grew, it led me to study Architectural Interior Design at Edinburgh College of Art. This gave me the opportunity to develop my artistic skills further while combining creativity with practical design. Looking back, my creative journey has been shaped by both of my parents’ influence, blending imagination, craftsmanship, and problem-solving into the way I approach art and design today.

Can you explain your creative process? How has it changed over time?

My creative process is inspired by the places and objects that have personal meaning to me. Painting brings me a sense of joy and calm, offering an escape from the pressures of daily life. It has become a mindful practice that allows me to slow down, focus on the present moment, and express myself creatively. My work has changed over time as I have moved away from the influence of my Architectural Interior Design background, where precision and straight lines were central to everything I created. I have increasingly been drawn to the freedom of organic forms found in nature. Coastlines, natural landscapes, and flowing shapes inspire me because they feel less constrained and more expressive. I am consciously trying to paint more loosely, embracing imperfection and movement, which has opened a new and more personal direction in my work.

Who influences you? Which other creatives’ work do you love?

There are many artists, both past and present, whose work I admire and draw inspiration from. J.M.W. Turner has been a significant influence, particularly through his use of light and his ability to suggest rather than define, creating atmosphere and emotion within his paintings. I also enjoy the coastal scenes of Robert Kelsey, whose expressive brushwork and treatment of the landscape resonate with me. At the other end of the spectrum, I am inspired by the abstract work of Gerhard Richter. His ability to balance chance and control while creating powerful and evocative compositions, is something I find fascinating. Although their styles are very different, each of these artists has influenced the way I think about painting, encouraging me to move beyond precision and embrace a more intuitive and expressive approach to my own work.

What advice would you give creatives who are just starting out?

I still consider myself relatively new to painting. Although I had always been creative, I only really began my journey with oil painting after a trip to the Isle of Harris with my son. The experience and beauty of the landscape inspired me to pick up a brush, and when I sold my first painting in 2024, it gave me the confidence to pursue it more seriously. My advice to anyone starting out is simple: just paint and create. Don’t worry about being perfect or comparing yourself to others. The most important thing is to keep showing up and putting in the time. I try to paint every day and think of it as building my “painting miles” because every painting teaches you something new. The more you create, the more you develop your skills, confidence, and individual style. 

What can visitors expect when visiting your space during Falkirk Open Studios?

Expect a good blether, plenty of paintings to browse, and a relaxed atmosphere. Hopefully you’ll see something you like, but even if you’re just passing by, please pop in and say hi. Falkirk Open Studios is all about connecting with people and sharing creativity, and I’m really looking forward to being part of what promises to be a great weekend. See you at Falkirk Delivers!