While some of us might have lasting memories of being scolded for drawing on walls as youngsters, a talented Southside artist has found a way to reinvent the idea as her dream career.
Flore De Hoog from Govanhill has left her mark on homes all over the city with her stunning designs from delicate golden roses to whimsical hot air balloons all hand-drawn with a meticulous eye for detail.
Most recently, however, it’s her personalised commissions of Glasgow landmarks that have been proving popular with homeowners who are looking to proudly display their love for the city.
Flore said: “The Glasgow print has been really popular. I love doing it because it allows me to put my own spin on well known buildings.
“There’s more to the city than just the chambers and I really enjoy doing some of the lesser known ones.
“The Waverly Steamer might be my favourite. I’ve done that twice now.
“And the Central Station Clock was a memorable one too.
“On the other hand, I would say that Glasgow Uni is the most difficult to draw.
“It’s so detailed that it takes me ages to do.”
The idea for the Glasgow design first stemmed from a couple’s request for a print combining all the places that held significance to them in their younger years.
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Later, a duo living in Hyndland requested a wall filled with sites that they could see from their terrace including the Finnieston Crane, the Ovo Hydro and an orange cone in honour of the Duke of Wellington's headgear of choice.
Realising that this could be a unique way to allow her customers to create a truly personal design, the 34-year-old has since taken on one of her largest projects yet in a Whiteinch.
She said: “I’m going to do a huge wall in a church conversion close next week.
“It’s a shared wall so I asked the residents to suggest specific buildings so that everyone has some input.
“Whether it’s their first home or a place that has been important to them over the years.
“It’s a great opportunity.
“The Glasgow thing is really catching on.”
Although Flore admits that there is still a certain amount of "stage fright" that comes from taking her pens to a blank wall, it's the small imperfections when drawing freehand that make her craft so distinctive.
She said: "It can be terrifying because I don't use any measurements or anything, it's all by eye.
"But you learn little ways to make it easier for yourself.
"It's not completely uniform, but I suppose that's what makes it more interesting to look at than wallpaper.
"I'd estimate that I've worked in around a hundred houses since I started."
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Now, her passion allows for a unique opportunity to explore her hometown, sharing the simple joy of repetition as she goes.
She said: “I’ve been in Glasgow for around 15 years now and I’m the biggest fan of the city.
“The majority of my jobs so far have been in the Southside but recently it’s started to spread out a little.
“It’s so exciting to see so many different parts of the city and my customers are always so lovely.
“I feel so lucky to be able to do this as a job.
"I still can’t believe it sometimes.”
To find out more about Flore’s work click here.
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