Anna and I met a few years ago at one of the Decorcafe network events held at Assael architecture in Putney, southwest London where we discussed our shared passion for colour. I love hearing an artists relationship with the colours they use, so it was wonderful to hear Anna’s story. So it’s over to Anna to share her love and experiences in her colourful world!

What is your earliest colour memory?

My earliest colour memory is of my parents’ William Morris Golden lily upholstered sofa…it was vile…it was the early 80s and there were fewer options in terms of interior decor!!! 

What does colour mean to you?

Colour is everything to me – it enhances and enriches my life every day. I can’t imagine working with a better subject matter. 

Do you have a favourite colour or a colour that you find yourself constantly drawn to? And why?

I absolutely adore turquoise and aqua colours – they remind me of tropical and Balearic seas. I was very lucky to live in Mallorca as a child and the Bahamas as an adult so these colours are very refreshing and evocative to me. 

Do you have a colour that you least like? And why?

I really don’t like orangey brown unless in food or nature. As a paint colour though… absolutely not! I find it does nothing for me.

What do you love most about working with colour?

I love working with colour because it has so many nuances and is constantly fascinating…..the associations and combinations of colour are very interesting to me. I just find working with colour so stimulating.

What do you think your life would be like without colour? 

Very boring! It would be a bit like being blind.

Were you ever afraid or wary of colour? And what did you do to overcome this?

I’ve always embraced colour but definitely wore and surrounded myself with darker shades as a teenager. I’ve lightened up since!

What’s your favourite colour story?

I remember painting pastel watercolours on a sandstone pillar with my younger brother Jamie when I was seven years old. It was my idea – I obviously thought the pillar was too neutral! I got into a lot of trouble of course! 

Do you have a favourite colour place that you visit (or have visited)?

I found the Alhambra palace is Granada, Andalucia, incredibly inspiring. If I’m allowed another answer I’d also say the pastel Loyalist houses of Harbour island in the Bahamas.

If you could pick any colour and give it a name, what would that be?

Yikes that’s tricky!! Hmmm, maybe a orangey pink called Peachy Keen.

For anyone afraid of colour what would your number 1 piece of advice be?

If someone is afraid of colour they need to get to the root of the cause, as there may be something in the past that is stopping them from wanting certain colours in their life. For some, brighter colour can seem frivolous or childlike but it is so life enhancing. I would recommend they dip their toes in gently with accessories or even flowers.

Which colourful person do you most admire and would love me to interview for the On the Colour Couch series?

I really admire Marianne Shillingford for her knowledge, enthusiasm and warmth. You’ve already interviewed her though!! 

What a wonderful adventure Anna’s been on living in such colour rich places. No wonder she absolutely adore turquoise and aqua colours – bringing back fond memories of her childhood. That’s the power of colour!
As Anna mentioned, Marianne has already been on the Colour Couch so it you would like to find out why Anna chose her, then you can read Marianne’s colour interview over here.

If you would like to discover more about Anna’s abstract and botanical mixed media canvases and murals, then head over to her Instagram @annamproctor.

Wishing you a colourful day,
Karenx