Contemporary Fresco 

Hayley is widely recognised for her versatility across various artistic mediums, but one of her most distinctive techniques is her contemporary fresco.

This method involves working with wet Italian plaster, commonly known as Venetian plaster—a luxurious material traditionally used in high-end wall finishes. Made from aged lime, marble, and natural aggregates, it provides a unique and striking foundation for her artwork. 

 In 2019, Hayley was honored as an Ambassador for Novacolor Italia, the renowned supplier of her plaster, in recognition of her innovative approach to using this material for fine art frescoes. 

The process begins with pigmenting the wet plaster before applying it using specialised tools such as Venetian plastering trowels, French spats, or Japanese shikkui trowels. As the sharp edge of the trowel moves across the surface, the colours fuse together seamlessly. As the plaster dries, the marble content gradually emerges, creating a ceramic-like sheen through a process known as burnishing. Once fully dry, the artwork is carefully buffed and waxed, sealing in its rich textures and luminous finish. 

 Hayley refers to this technique as ‘Contemporary Fresco’ because it follows the timeless fresco principle of painting with pigments on wet plaster—but with a modern approach to application, technique, and finish. This rare and highly skilled process results in stunning, original artworks that bridge the gap between classical tradition and contemporary innovation.

Acrylics 

Hayley brings the same innovative approach to acrylic painting as she does to her frescoes, using an array of tools beyond traditional brushes. She applies acrylic paint to canvas with plastering trowels, palette knives, kitchen utensils, and even her fingers—allowing for a uniquely expressive and textured finish. 

Her choice of paint varies depending on the level of texture she wants to achieve, and she has even developed her own custom acrylic formula to enhance depth and movement in her work. 

 Throughout the website, you’ll find a variety of Hayley’s acrylic paintings—so take a closer look, zoom in, and explore the rich details of her dynamic technique!

Watercolours 

This is where you’ll most often find Hayley reaching for a brush—though, true to form, she rarely sticks to traditional techniques! 

From abstracts to delicate florals, she continuously explores fresh and exciting ways to capture the beauty of the Confetti Fields in watercolour, ensuring each year brings a new perspective in this versatile medium. 

Here are just a few of her watercolour pieces—and if you’re feeling inspired, why not join one of her Watercolour Workshops? It’s the perfect way to boost your creative confidence and learn simple yet effective techniques firsthand!

Hayley has also used metal based products in the past combined with oxidation techniques to create stunning pieces of art. She has also added a few murals into the mix over the years too! Her vivid imagination seems never to waver and she truly is a multidisciplinary artist with an outstanding portfolio of work. Hayley's collectors are always keen to see which direction her creative journey takes her.