Last week, we introduced you to London-based painter Rusty, and this week, we’re excited to bring you something even more special. We’re unveiling two of her stunning large-scale paintings, alongside an exclusive interview that dives into her world.

In our chat, Rusty shared insights into her creative journey, the sources of her inspiration, and her passion for painting "huge, loud, and fearless" women who exude strength and power.

Scroll down to discover the striking ANGELINA and ATHENA, now proudly showcased in our gallery, and get to know the artist behind these bold works.

R: A lot of it comes from my imagination. I imagine each painting as a character. I imagine what she loves, how she stands, what she likes to do at the weekend. I have this image in my head of all my paintings in one room together, having come to life, talking to each other about how drunk they got the night before and how many cigarettes they smoked - ha!!

R: I’ve had a fascination with colour and texture in all aspects of my life from day dot. When I was a kid I had a sparkly Barbie bikini, I loved the way it shone and I refused to take it off. My parents had to let me wear it under my school uniform so I’d get in the car! Growing up our home was full of textiles and patterns and colourful paintings too.

When I studied, we had a dye lab where I spent most of my time working out how to hand-dye fabrics a certain tone. I had a book packed with swatches, I’d select the ones that worked best and mix my own colours to print on top of. I still work very similarly now. I tend to select a baseline and from that pick a bolder palette that jars against the neutrals. Colour is so visceral and I like having the freedom to experiment.