“Having spent most of my adult life wanting to paint and draw full-time but actually being involved in jobs that did not interest me, I finally decided to change my life in my mid thirties. I quit my sales job at the time in 2014, sold my home and decided to travel the world for inspiration. After spending time in Europe, Nepal, the Far East and then hiking from Mexico to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail, I found myself back in England with a new passion for wanting to create. As a self-taught artist I did not have any formal training and so my progress and the evolution of my work has been a very surprising and exciting journey so far. I create realism art depicting the beauty of animals with a colourful twist. The splash of colour I add to my work has become a signature style and is easily recognisable alongside my classical monochrome drawings. I have recently moved to Aldeburgh on the East Coast which I love. It is the perfect place for me to continue my artistic adventure.”

Astra exhibited for the first time with our Gallery at AAF Hampstead Heath in May 2019. She was an immediate success and went on to sell all her pieces at AAF Singapore 2019. Her exquisite observational drawings have so much character and humour. She has blown a breath of fresh air and innovation into each event she exhibited with us so far. We are delighted to be promoting this naturally skilled artist.

Astra has recently signed a publishing agreement where we will see her Blue Tit Travels series become Illustrated Childrens’ Books. Written by Astra herself along with her drawings the first of seven books will be released towards the end of 2020. Watch this Space

If you visit AAF Spring Edition in Battersea Park from 11am – 2pm on Saturday 14 March you will be able to meet Astra in the Entrance Foyer where she will be demonstrating her amazing Ink Drawings and introducing you to her exquisitely drawn wild animals with their colourful friends.