Artist’s Statement
My current body of work explores the lives of my fellow Channel Islanders whose identities are inseparable from the sea. As a descendant of one of the first families to colonise the tiny Island of Sark in 1565 and a lifelong fisherman myself, the sea and our stunning rugged coastal scenery has always been at the very heart of my painting practice. Our Island communities have historically been sustained by their marine environment, yet many of our traditional ways of life now face an uncertain future due to climate change and overfishing. Through my work, I aim to acknowledge the resilience of Islanders, while documenting the changes they are now experiencing.
By spending time within the commercial fishing and foraging communities, both on land and out at sea I am building relationships with people while they work, and then by taking my location sketches and photographs back into my studio I then work on the creation of finished paintings.
Although I work in both oil and watercolour, pastel has recently become an important medium in my practice. Its immediacy allows me to balance close observation with expressive mark-making, while capturing not only the physical reality of the marine environment but also its atmosphere, movement and emotional resonance.
Ultimately, painting provides me with a profound sense of belonging, especially when working en plein air. It is my connection with the Channel Islands’ marine communities, their work within the struggling fishing industry, and my passion for painting that has led to this new and, I believe, highly relevant body of work.
Academic Foundation
The foundation of Rosanne’s artistic career began with rigorous technical training in the natural world. Rosanne earned a Higher National Diploma in Natural History Illustration from the Bournemouth & Poole College of Art & Design (1992–1995), followed by a Master’s Degree in Natural History Illustration & Ecological Studies from the Royal College of Art in London (1995–1997). This academic background deeply informs the precision and ecological sensitivity found throughout Rosanne’s artwork.
The Channel Islands & Gallery Practice
From 1997 to 2015, Rosanne owned and operated a successful art gallery on the island of Sark. During this nearly two-decade period, she focused extensively on documenting the unique coastlines, marine environments, and wildlife of the Channel Islands through watercolour. This immersive experience established Rosanne as a prominent artistic voice in the region, leading to a long-running series of annual solo exhibitions in Guernsey from 2018 to the present day, showcasing vibrant plein air works in watercolour, charcoal, pastel, and oil.
International Conservation & Marine Fieldwork
A dedicated advocate for environmental preservation, Rosanne’s work frequently bridges the gap between fine art and ecological awareness, taking her on major international field expeditions with the Artists for Nature Foundation (ANF):
- Art for the Love of Sark (2011–2012):Collaborating with the ANF, Rosanne organized this landmark Jubilee project to highlight the conservation needs of Sark. The initiative culminated in a published book, a documentary film, and two highly successful selling exhibitions.
- The Dead Sea Project, Israel (2017): Invited to join an elite international cohort of artists to create a body of work designed to raise global awareness for the preservation and ecological plight of the Dead Sea.
- The Heartbeat and Lifeblood of an Alaskan Rainforest (2025-ongoing):Partnering with the ANF and the Native Conservancy in Cordova, Alaska, they joined a specialized international group of artists field-painting glaciers, deltas, and the remote marine ecosystems of the Copper River Delta and Prince William Sound to advocate for the conservation of Alaska’s coastal rainforests and wild salmon habitats. This project will culminate in a project exhibition and book in 2027.
In the news
CONSIDERING ART PODCAST BY BOB CHAUNDY
I was a guest on Bob Chaundy’s “Considering Art” podcast in April 2025. I listened to Bob’s podcast regularly since lockdown, mostly whilst painting in the studio, so I was thrilled when he said he wanted me to appear as his guest.
Bob travelled over from his London home and we met up in Guernsey, before jumping on the boat to Sark for an early morning, sunrise interview on the cliffs above Maseline Harbour on Sark’s East coast. It was a really great interview as Bob has a wonderful way of getting the most out of his interviewees.
When we got back to Guernsey we went to Moulin Huet and briefly discussed the Renoir connection with Guernsey, and then visited the Occupation Museum and Fort Hommet at Vazon. Huge thanks to Bob for coming over to the islands.
You can check out the podcast here.