Portland-based illustrator Camille Shu is known for her botanical illustrations (mainly flowers, but also fruit), inviting the outdoors inside with vibrant colors and playful compositions.
Originally from Seattle, but currently based in Portland, Shu’s is naturally inspired by her surroundings, as well as the changing seasons. “I’ve always been obsessed with plants,” she admitted in a recent interview with Bridge & Burn, explaining that her mom is an amazing gardener and she basically grew up in the garden.
“The seasonal changes here provide constant muse-material and I always have my eye on what’s popping up around us,” she adds, “whether it’s in my garden, my neighbor’s garden, or the farmers market.” According to Shu, when it comes to her fruit paintings those tend to reflect the fruit she was eating that season. “Same goes for flowers,” she adds, “I am truly amazed when I look at flowers like how does something that cool exist?”
With so much excitement, it comes as no surprise that her work is as positive and delightful as Shu’s outlook on life. Her vitality is well needed these unsettling days. “I try to bring color into people’s lives,” says Shu. “Especially in the winters here, we need more color! So I hope to give people a burst of energy when they look at the colorful work that I have painted.”
You can support her work by purchasing a print from her online shop.
