Recent Journal Entries
“We live in a world made of gifts.”
Seana Mallen is an award-winning painter and printmaker, originally from California, now living and working beside the River Adur salt marsh, where she runs Salt Marsh Studio. Her work is based in gratitude—for the local landscape of the river, the South Downs and the coast, and for the wildflowers and weeds that pop up uninvited and transform the everyday.
Through nature journaling and travel journals, she records birds, wildflowers, places, and passing moments—quick sketches, colour notes, and observations that capture what catches her eye. Back in the studio, these ideas evolve into looser, more expressive paintings and collages on canvas.
She has a real love of colour and light, and her work—whether on paper or canvas—captures it with a sense of humour, warmth and atmosphere.
Seana’s work has been exhibited internationally, and she has been teaching for many years, including in adult education and regularly on cruise ships. She is known for her friendly, down-to-earth approach and for creating a relaxed, encouraging space where people can try things out, loosen up, and surprise themselves. She loves seeing her students grow in confidence, find their own voice, and be delighted by what they've achieved. It's pure joy.
Through Salt Marsh Studio, she shares her love of sketchbooks, nature journaling, and painting—inviting others to look more closely, play with materials, and connect with both their creativity and the natural world.
Latest News
Hello and Happy Spring!
I have an exciting spring and summer ahead with 2 Open Studios and a whole series of new workshops, classes and guided walks.
Please have a look at the "Salt Marsh Summer School" here to find a full schedule of Nature Journaling, Gelli Print, Collage and Watercolour sessions, some all day workshops with lunch, some lovely "Sunset Sundowners with wine... and all with fun and friendship, new skills, creativity and a close connection to nature.
"Draw to learn, Learn to draw: Nature Journaling" is probably my favourite, a 4 week course for anyone who has ever said, "I wish I could draw" and loves nature.
Please come join me, and you'll be amazed by what you can create!
Brighton Artists' Open Houses
I am delighted to be joining Ilana Richardson and Friends for Brighton Artists' Open Houses this May.
I am so proud to be in such talented company and in such a lovely house. Please come say hello. I should be there most afternoons except for the last weekend, (when I shall be in Iceland!)
But I'll be back just in time for the ADUR ART TRAIL!!
& we're doing something very different this year!
Alongside my paintings and sketchbooks inspired by the salt marsh, there will be a fascinating exhibition of local bird photography by the Friends of the Adur SSSI, offering a closer look at the many species living just beyond our doors. You’ll also find the whimsical and delightful sculptures of Adrienne Shields.
This year's open studio is all about celebrating the Salt Marsh and sharing our enthusiasm for this beautiful stretch of river that we're so lucky to call home. Come and learn about the birds, butterflies, wildflowers and weeds on our doorstep. Join us for a walk or a workshop...
We have a couple of special events and you are all invited.
Salt Marsh Safari - Wildflowers, Butterflies and Birds - Saturday 13th June - 2.00-4.00 p.m.
Salt Marsh Studio and Friends of Adur SSSI are joined by expert wildlife guide, Richard Allen, for a walking safari around the Adur salt marsh to learn about its wildlife, wildflowers and other features of this habitat that have inspired so many artists.
Salt Marsh Solstice Picnic at Cuckoo Corner - Saturday 20th June - 5.30 -7.30 pm
In honour of the Summer Solstice - Salt Marsh Studio and Friends of Adur SSSI invite you to join them for a wildlife walk and a picnic (byo) at Cuckoo Corner. We will share what we love about this beautiful habitat , its wildlife and how we are trying to help it recover. We will stop at Cuckoo Corner for a picnic and a celebration of the Summer Solstice.
For more information about all the Adur Art Trail open studios and events look here.
And that's enough for now.
"We live in a world made of gifts."
Let's get together and share some.
I hope to see you soon!
Cheers,
Seana