For Jeffrey Pratt, every painting begins with a moment of wonder.

Whether he is working beside the lily-covered pond at his Oxfordshire retreat, painting from his converted van on the Cornish coast, or returning to a favourite landscape in France, the celebrated British colorist approaches every canvas with the same goal: to capture the joy, beauty and emotion he finds in the natural world.

We joined Jeffrey at Foxhill, his beloved home and studio, to discover the inspirations, memories and philosophy that continue to shape his distinctive paintings.

Surrounded by water, wildlife and gardens, Foxhill is far more than a place to paint. It is a sanctuary that reflects Jeffrey’s lifelong connection to the natural world.

His love of nature began early. One of his most significant influences was his art teacher, a free-spirited character who challenged convention and encouraged a different way of looking at the world.

“He was wild and unruly and broke all the rules,” Jeffrey recalls with affection. “That appeals to me very much. I think they’re made to be broken.”

That sense of curiosity and freedom has remained with him throughout his life. Whether swimming in rivers, exploring the countryside or painting outdoors, Jeffrey has always felt most connected to himself when immersed in nature.

“I think when you are immersed in nature, you’re closer than you can ever get to who you really are,” he reflects.

Despite his success today, Jeffrey’s journey as an artist was not always straightforward. Although he loved painting from an early age, self-doubt accompanied him for many years. It was only later in life, while helping his son with an art project, that he received the advice that would quietly transform his approach. “Daddy, why copy other people’s paintings? Go paint your own.” The simple observation proved a turning point.

Determined to paint directly from life, Jeffrey ventured outdoors with an old French easel, a sleeping bag and a Bedford van. Progress came slowly. There were countless failed attempts, moments of frustration and years spent refining his technique. Yet he persisted. Looking back, he believes every lesson learned outdoors was worthwhile. Working directly from observation taught him to trust his instincts, paint more boldly and respond honestly to the world around him.

Today, Jeffrey’s paintings are celebrated for their luminous colour, expressive brushwork and emotional resonance. Yet his approach remains remarkably simple. For him, painting is about being fully present.

“It’s magical being in the moment,” he says. “Being totally, totally there.”

Standing before a landscape, Jeffrey works quickly and intuitively, responding to changing light, shifting colours and fleeting impressions. Years of experience have taught him to trust what he sees rather than overthink the process.

He describes painting as a form of mark-making, comparing it to assembling a patchwork quilt of colour and observation. The challenge is not to recreate every detail, but to capture the feeling of a place and a moment.

This philosophy extends beyond landscapes. Whether painting a still life, a pond filled with water lilies or an expansive coastal view, Jeffrey is searching for the same thing: an authentic emotional response.

Underlying Jeffrey’s work is a profound appreciation for the fragility and beauty of the natural world. Again and again, his thoughts return to the importance of protecting the landscapes, wildlife and environments that inspire him. His hope is that viewers see more than colour and composition in his paintings. He hopes they leave with a renewed appreciation for the world around them.

“The most wonderful response,” he says, “is somebody bursting into tears with joy.”

For Jeffrey, art is not simply about representation. It is about connection, gratitude and wonder. At 85, he continues to paint with the same enthusiasm and curiosity that first drew him outdoors decades ago. His work reminds us to slow down, look closely and rediscover the beauty that surrounds us every day.

As he puts it: “Painting is joy. The planet is joy.”

And in every brushstroke, that joy shines through.