Roo Waterhouse

Roo’s observational, reverential and honest oil paintings focus on our familiar gathered possessions. By capturing both the artefacts themselves and the stories they hold, each painting becomes more of a portrait than a still life.

Roo specialises in themed Shelf Portraits: classic literature; penguin paperbacks; natural history; childhood... As well as original paintings, Roo sells Limited Edition prints, notebooks and cards - perfect for book lovers!

She always has an eye out for pleasing groups of books, browsing second-hand bookshops or inviting herself into the homes of strangers who sound like they have an intriguing collection on their shelves!

Bespoke Shelf Portrait clients choose their most treasured books to be painted together. “I enjoy visiting people’s homes, chatting about their book choices, then seeing the stories of their lives unfold before me on the shelf as I paint.”

It’s a bit like Desert Island Discs! Which books would you choose?...