Hi Henry, welcome to Photocircle! For those who don’t know you yet, who are you and how would you describe your artistic style?

I am an illustrator from the British countryside with a deep love for travel and the sea. I would describe my style as colourful minimalism. I enjoy taking a place and reducing it to just a few key details, using soft light and calm skies to create a relaxed, peaceful feeling.

You studied architecture before becoming an illustrator. How has that background influenced your art?

At university I learned to draw in a very flat, simplified style, with only the lightest details in the background. I grew to enjoy thisway of working, and it continues to shape my art today. Many of my pieces feature rich, textured details in the foreground, paired with softer and more subtle forms fading gently into the distance.

Your work evokes a sense of nostalgia and wanderlust. What usually inspires a new poster?

New places always inspire me. I collect photos and quick sketches as I travel, little notes to myself about what made a moment special. When I make art, I try to bring back the mood and feeling of that experience. It is my way of preserving a memory and hopefully letting others feel a bit of it too.

Many of your artworks are inspired by the golden age of travel. What fascinates you about that era?

I love the sense of excitement from that time. The old posters made every place look magical and full of promise. The colours were bold and the landscapes looked dramatic. That feeling of adventure is something I try to bring into my own work.

Your posters are hanging in homes across the world. How does it feel to know your art travels so far and wide?

It makes me very happy. My goal is to make people feel good and help them remember special moments. When someone chooses my work for their home it feels like a big honour.

Why did you decide to work with Photocircle?

I love the mix of beautiful artwork and a genuine commitment to doing good. It gives the artwork extra meaning. I have admired their project for a long time, so it is a real pleasure to finally be part of it.

Your work often feels like an invitation to dream. What do you hope people feel when they look at your art?

I hope they feel calm and happy. I want my pictures to remind people of special trips or to inspire them to explore new places. If the art makes someone daydream even for a moment, then I am very happy.

Finally, what can we expect next? Are there any new projects or destinations coming soon?

I am always exploring new ideas and places, so there will certainly be more destinations coming. Lately, I have also been wanting to focus more on animals, especially birds. Ever since I was a child drawing birds has always brought me a lot of joy, and I hope to feature them more prominently in my future work.

If you like Henry Rivers’ colourful, minimalist travel posters as much as we do, be sure to take a look at his gallery on Photocircle. There you’ll find many more artworks that capture the magic of special places in a truly unique way. We think his work perfectly reflects our vision of combining art with a positive impact.