1. When you were young, what job did you picture yourself having as an adult?
I always loved the idea of being a potter when I was a little girl. I remember having a go on a potter’s wheel when I was about seven and I absolutely loved the feel of the clay in my hands.

2. When did you first realise you wanted to be an artist?
Art was always my favourite subject but I realised that I wanted to be an artist while studying History of Art and Fine Art in Florence. I had the chance to do life drawing classes in the most beautiful Atelier every day. It was so wonderful to study in such a historic and magical place.

3. Were you good at art at school?
I always excelled at art in school and I was so proud to win the art prize in the sixth form. The art room was always the best place to be!

4. Do you remember the first exhibition you went to?
I remember getting the train up to London when I was about 10 and going to the National Gallery. I found it totally inspiring and incredible.

5. Which artist do you most admire?
I have always loved the work of John Singer Sargent.

6. Which talent of theirs do you covet?
I love his dynamic brushstrokes and loose style and the way he paints the light.

7. If you could own any one painting in history, which would it be?
I would love to own The Kiss by Gustav Klimt.

8. What’s the best exhibition you’ve seen recently and why?
It has been so hard to get out to exhibitions but I did go to the RWA (Royal West of England Academy) annual exhibition. I love seeing the incredible variety of work from floor to ceiling.

9. Is there one place that’s had a decisive influence on your work and if so in what way?
I draw inspiration for my work from observing the behaviour of wild animals in their natural habitat and I have been lucky enough to spend time in some amazing remote places in Brazil and the forests of Borneo doing just that.

10. Where in the world would you like to spend six months making your art?
I would love to go to Brazil for six months with my family and spend time going to some of the fantastic national parks there.

11. What subjects are you always drawn to in your work?
I am often drawn to painting animals, I love having some movement in my work but also look to use lots of pattern and colour.

12. Which colour do you find yourself using in your work more frequently than others?
I love blue, but my favourite blue is cobalt. I definitely use a lot of magenta in my work too.

13. How often do you produce a new picture, on average?
My life is very full and I love keeping busy doing lots of different things. I probably produce a new painting every two weeks.

14. What’s your studio like?
I have a small studio at the back of the house that is full of canvases, paints and old frames but I often take my paintings to a little summer house we have in the garden that has fantastic natural light.

15. How do you relax?
I love getting out for long country walks. I also do a lot of capoeira (a Brazilian dance and martial art), which is super intense, but I love getting active after a long day painting.

16. What’s your most treasured possession?
I cycle pretty much everywhere and absolutely love my bike, so I would have to say it’s that.

17. What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Oh definitely dark chocolate – I have serious withdrawals if I don’t have a huge chunk after my lunch every day.

18. If you could go back in time, when and where would you go?
I would love to go back to Renaissance Florence and experience life as it was then.

19. What plans do you have to develop your art?
I want to find much more time to paint. I constantly feel inspired and always want to try new things. It would be great to experiment with really large canvases.

20. How would you like to be remembered?
With a smile on my face.

Cordelia Hutchison, Toucan with Açai Berries, oil on canvas, 40 x 40 cm