Rooted in Africa, Blooming in Rome
The Art & Story of LeAnne Nowell
“Our body is a mix of mud & our soul is a mix of energy. Painting is a mix of colours & we mix the emotion.”
Where the Journey Began
My creative story doesn’t start in a studio; it starts in Greytown, a small rural town in South Africa. Growing up surrounded by expansive landscapes, natural wilderness and the vivid colours of Africa.
Being based in Rome, Italy, since 1998, has made a significant impact on my imagination. The historic charm of Italian ceramics, the architectural lines of ancient buildings, and the artistic pulse of Europe— create a very different cultural scene.
Regardless of the lifestyle and trips here and there, when I’m back in my studio, painting botanicals keeps me rooted!
From Lightboxes to Digital Layers: The Evolution of a Craft
Long before digital tools existed, my foundation was forged in the tactile, meticulous discipline of traditional printmaking.
In the 1980s university studios, there was no “undo” button. We learned pattern-making the hard way:
Tracing drawings by hand over lightboxes.
Separating individual colors meticulously onto separate sheets for silk-screening.
Coating screens with UV-sensitive emulsions, stretching fabric across long tables, and pulling heavy squeegees by hand for every single hue.
That deep, hands-on apprenticeship taught me the architecture of a repeat pattern—how a motif breathes, how colors interact, and how precision anchors art.
Today, while I translate those foundations into modern digital spaces—sketching first in watercolor, capturing them digitally, and finessing them in Photoshop—that old-school craftsmanship still guides every brushstroke. Whether it’s a bold watercolor floral, an Italian-inspired tomato and gingham kitchen linen, or a sophisticated wallpaper for luxury interiors, every collection carries a human, painterly touch.
What Drives My Work
I don’t just design prints; I design stories meant to live in spaces that matter. My work spans across:
Original Fine Art & Canvas Paintings: Large-scale, expressive floral and botanical pieces painted from memory, emotion, and an obsession with beautiful organic lines.
Luxury Surface Patterns: Repeating motifs for bespoke wallpaper, high-end fabrics, and home decor, crafted for interior designers and global brands seeking warmth and personality.
Collaborations & Licensing: Partnering with companies worldwide to infuse products with joy, color, and a connection to nature.
Let’s Create Something Beautiful Together
Whether you are an interior designer hunting for that exact statement wallpaper, a brand looking to license a bespoke botanical collection, or someone wanting to bring a bit of vibrant organic energy into your home, I’d love to collaborate.
Explore my collections in the [Shop / Galleries]
Read my latest musings on the Blog
Or reach out directly at leanne.nowell@gmail.com for custom commissions and licensing inquiries.
