Koko Loco is a small, close cropped study in oils of a Koko Loco Rose, created using a minimal palette of just 4 pigments. Built up with multiple layers of glazes to form a delicate richness, and a smooth finish reminiscent of the velvety petals of the flower itself. This piece is part of a triptych - E7 Minis - three small canvases depicting a Dahlia, Chrysanthemum and Rose, flowers grown and found in my East London neighbourhood, where plant-life enhances the urban surroundings from community planters, shared gardens, windowboxes and porches. I found myself drawn towards the soft white flowers which were subtly highlighted with a bold flash of colour, giving life and brightness, and standing out in their grey surroundings. These pieces represent the empowering beauty of community and the value of investing in your local environment; a simple act that can bring so much. The canvases are 4cm deep, and finished with deep Vert de Gris surrounds, designed to hang unframed.

Dom Holmes

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My name is Dom Holmes. I am a queer, non binary multi-media artist living in East London with my wife and our beautiful senior beagle. I am a self-taught painter, working with traditional oil painting methods and minimal materials, specifically using glazes and colour theory to build depth and intensity of colour with the fewest pigments possible. My work reflects my ongoing fascination with the human connection to nature within an urban environment. My paintings depict botanical life found in city settings, and the relevance of seasonal wildlife and community amidst late-stage capitalism and the current climate crisis. I’m currently working on a series inspired by non indigenous and invasive plant-life and the impact on the environment, ecosystem and community. While I have been painting with oils as my primary practice since 2019, I have been an artist for over 20 years working across various mediums. You may know, recognise or even have some of my other work without even realising it. Throughout the years, my background in pen and ink drawing and tattooing has seen me collaborate with brands and companies, including designing the Royal Mint’s commemorative 50 pence piece, celebrating 50 years of Pride in the UK.