Denise is a contemporary fine artist and former professional muralist with a lifelong passion for creativity and detail.
She was a heat semi-finalist in Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year (2022) and has exhibited at the Royal Society of Marine Artists Annual Exhibition and the Royal Society of British Artists Annual Exhibition at the Mall Galleries, London.
Her artistic journey began in early childhood, evolving from a fascination with crayons, felt-tip pens, and building blocks into painting miniatures and selling work at craft fairs during her school years. She later developed skills in painting on bone china and porcelain, while also exploring sculpture, before ultimately realising her ambition of becoming a professional mural artist in her thirties.
Denise went on to establish a successful 11-year career as a professional muralist, specialising in the highly skilled, self-taught art of trompe l'oeil (trick-of-the-eye) painting. Her work, often executed in acrylics and mixed media, required a strong foundation in photorealism to create convincing illusions of depth and space. More recently, her practice has evolved to include impasto techniques and a broader exploration of texture and material. She is a former member of the Association of Professional Muralists and has also featured on television and radio.
Her mural commissions were primarily for private clients, though she has also undertaken notable public and commercial projects. These include a commissioned mural panel for the maternity unit at St John's Hospital in Chelmsford, as well as large-scale works for businesses and restaurants. A standout project was her immersive decorative scheme for Tarantino's Italian Restaurant in Brentwood, where she transformed the entire interior with trompe l'oeil scenes inspired by Venice. The work later gained wider exposure when Lime Pictures, producers of The Only Way is Essex, requested permission to use the murals as filming backdrops.
Alongside her professional practice, Denise is a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher. Through her Easel Weasel workshops, she offers a welcoming and supportive environment for artists of all abilities, from complete beginners to those looking to refine their skills. Drawing on decades of experience, she takes an informative yet relaxed approach to teaching, encouraging others to discover and develop their own creative voice while sharing in the joy of painting.
Denise came second in the Hopton Hall Month of Art 2025 competition.