Meet The Artist: Harry Frost

Our latest seasonal postcard comes from illustrator and printmaker Harry Frost, whose intricate fountain pen drawings are inspired by both expansive landscapes and often-missed details. Here, he reflects on his journey into illustration, the inspiration behind his autumnal postcard for Rowen & Wren, and the meditative process at the heart of his work.

Could you tell us a little about yourself and your artistic journey so far?

I’m an artist and illustrator based in the North-West of England. I’ve always had a deep love of art and creativity, which led me to study Fine Art: Painting at the University of Edinburgh. Whether I’m working in oils, pastel, or pen and ink, I’m most excited by the process of translating my emotional response to the world around me

How would you describe your style of work, and what draws you to it?

At the moment, I focus on original, hand-drawn fountain pen ink works. I find the smooth flow of ink from the nib to be almost meditative, helping me slow down and fully engage with the tactile process of drawing. I’m drawn to blue ink in particular for its calming quality, and I’ve been delighted to hear that many viewers experience the same sense of stillness when looking at my work.

What inspires you most when you sit down to create?

I often describe myself as a “visual magpie.” I’m captivated by both the grandeur of wide, open landscapes and the tiny details that might otherwise be missed. It’s these fleeting observations - whether expansive or minute - that I aim to capture in my drawings and illustrations.

It was so lovely working with you on the illustration for our autumn postcard. Can you talk us through the concept behind it?

The pleasure was mine! Nature is such a constant source of inspiration for me, and it very much guided this piece. I’m a keen walker and hiker, and I often find myself out among windswept trees and moorland paths on crisp autumn days. Those experiences were at the heart of this illustration.

How did you bring the design to life? Were there particular themes, colours, or details you wanted to capture?

Because my fountain pen works are monochrome, I chose not to lean on the warm, burnt tones we usually associate with autumn. Instead, I focused on capturing movement and texture - the feeling of a cool breeze rippling through tall grasses, the winding path leading towards a lone tree, and the sense of journey as your eye continues towards the hillside beyond.

What’s next for you after this collaboration?

I’m looking forward to continuing my artistic practice while also working on bespoke projects and original commissions as the seasons unfold.

And finally, what are you most looking forward to about autumn?

Long walks on crisp, shorter days are always a source of fresh inspiration. And, of course, plenty of hot mugs of tea to fuel me while I draw indoors afterwards!

Harry's delightful postcard is tucked inside each parcel we send out throughout the coming season. To explore our Autumn Collection please click here. To see more of Harry's work, you can click here.