Step into Mathilda Mai’s world, where bold colours, playful compositions, and a touch of Wild West energy come together on canvas. Inspired by her sun-soaked upbringing in the south of France, Mathilda’s work blends vibrant folk art influences with stylish, strong-willed cowgirls and unexpected, joy-filled scenes.
In this chat, we talk about the artists who inspire her, why painting feels like a balancing act, and the twangy, sun-drenched soundtrack that fills her studio.
Your work has a strong Mexican influence—where does that come from?
Colour and pattern have always been central to my art. Growing up in the south of France, I was drawn to warm, sun-soaked tones, and my love of bold colour naturally led me to Mexican-style folk art with a Western twist. I love warm colours and sunshine!
One of your pieces is called Self Portrait, but would you say your other work is also a reflection of yourself and your personal style?
My mum always encouraged me to "get back on your horse," and that phrase stuck with me—it even inspired my first gallery-exhibited painting, a self-portrait. Fashion and art have always been part of my life. I started a successful vintage clothing store at 17, and now I express my love of style through my paintings. The stylish and strong cowgirls I paint feel like versions of myself, but also like portraits of the inspirational women around me. I love that my art and personal style are intertwined—you’d always know it was mine!
What’s your absolute favourite thing to paint?
I love painting playful compositions that make you smile—bringing together unlikely animals and people, or capturing small human connections, like love and friendships.
When do you feel most creative? Do you have a favourite time of day to be in the studio?
Morning! When the warm beams of sunshine come into my studio.
Do you have a favourite piece you've created so far?
Oh, that’s hard! Probably The Balancing Act. She felt relatable—juggling everything you need to get done each day can feel like a balancing act!
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be?
There are so many! I’d love to collaborate with Frida Kahlo or Hilma af Klint. Both had such a fearless approach to colour and composition while bringing femininity into their work. It’s inspiring. I think we’d have some beautiful conversations.
What’s on your studio playlist—do you listen to music or podcasts while you paint?
Twangy, sun-soaked Western music, always! I’ve got a playlist called Riding Into the Sunset. 🌅
Fun fact about you?
Being a woman starting out in the art world feels like the Wild West—and I’m the cowgirl!
When did you first start painting? Have you always been creative?
I grew up in a house where creativity was everywhere—my mum, sister, and grandmother are all painters, so I come from a line of women artists with a love for colour. I was born in rural France with little outside influence, so painting and drawing became my way of expressing myself.
Are you self-taught?
Yes! I never attended art school or university, but art has never felt like something I had to learn—it has always just been there. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t creating.
Mathilda will be exhibiting a brand new series of work at this March Affordable Art Fair in March in Battersea. More info HERE. To see more of Mathilda's work visit her profile on our website HERE.