Quill and palette came to life from the pages of a short story I penned, many moons ago. A story about a women of vintage charm, timeless grace and her deep love for books and stationery. Perhaps one day, I will unveil the full story that brought to life the intriguing pair: a quill and palette. But for now, I paint!

Meet May

Hi there! My name is May, the artist behind the designs and illustrations at Quill and Palette. My work typically incorporates loose brushstrokes and moody hues, seamlessly transitioning from childlike subjects and patterns to figurative. My inspiration comes from the beauty of words, history, the tranquility of nature, and the freedom of slow-paced travel. I strive to create timeless art pieces that narrate captivating stories.

As a modern-day nomad, I explore the world with my family, drawing inspiration from my surroundings and giving life to art wherever we roam. Each illustration piece spins a tale, where every stroke whispers a story and every hue hums a tune.

Over the years, I have licensed my artwork to various brands and businesses. Each partnership has presented unique opportunities for my work to shine in different ways, and I am grateful for the chance to share my creativity with the world in such diverse and exciting ways.

I predominantly paint with ink and watercolor. My go-to painting tools are my quills, Japanese and Chinese brushes, partnered with a vivid black ink. Whenever I travel, I always make sure to purchase a diverse selection of brushes. I can never have enough.

I frequently describe my loose brushstrokes as "dancing brushstrokes," as it brings a sense of freedom and spontaneity to my technique, creating an organic and dynamic vibe in my art.

When I’m not illustrating, you’ll find me consuming copious amounts of coffee, and browsing through second-hand bookstores.