Dogwood Hill artist Ashley Begley is the star of our artist feature today. Ashley’s colorful florals and botanicals grace several of our 2022 Holiday Collection pieces.

Ashley first identified her passion for drawing at an early age and has been creating most of her life. After graduating from The Rhode Island School of Design, she spent several years at Lilly Pulitzer as a Surface Designer, learning the textile industry. After moving to San Francisco in 2014, she was inspired to build her own studio which would marry her passion for painting, typography, and textiles in order to create custom pieces for celebratory occasions. After several additional moves around the country, Ashley and her husband recently settled down in Charleston, South Carolina with a two-year-old little girl named Bowie.

Ashley answered some of our questions about her holiday artwork and her personal holiday traditions below. Don’t miss some fun snapshots of this year’s holiday collection featuring Ashley’s watercolors below. You can shop all of Ashley’s Dogwood Hill holiday cards here.

Enjoy hearing from Ashley about her holiday artwork below! We have also included some snapshots of her recent personal creative projects, including partnerships with Pepper Home and Sarah Flint.

What inspired you while creating your holiday artwork?

A lot of my work is textile or pattern inspired. I used to be a surface designer so I am always on the hunt for new and interesting layouts. It often comes across in my work.

What drew you to watercolor as your go-to medium?

I became comfortable with watercolor and inks when I was working as a textile designer. The medium is fast and, oftentimes, unforgiving – which I LOVE. I personally like to see the hand in one’s work. It’s more fun when things are a little imperfect!

What will your personal card this year look like?

From this collection, I am most drawn to the “edens ribbon” collection.

What are you looking forward to this upcoming holiday season?

My daughter is 2 years old, and she is getting so excited to see the Elf on the Shelf again this year!

Any holiday family traditions you would like to share?

There is a great driving light show here in Charleston. We have done it the last 3 years and I think it is my NEW favorite tradition. My daughter loves it!

Favorite holiday beverage for chilly nights?

Mulled wine

How do you like to decorate for the holidays at your house?

White lights all over the porch!

Favorite Christmas movie or book?

Jan Brett’s Trouble with Trolls was a huge source of inspiration for me growing up! The illustrations are incredible.

Are you a black Friday Christmas shopper or more of a last minute gift shopper?

It depends on the year…. I seem to have a lot of it mapped out this time around THANK GOODNESS!