“The paintings I’m currently working on are inspired by old photos from childhood,” Keenleyside tells The Wick. “I will make drawings of the photos and then integrate them into my paintings.” Her sketchbooks provide another source, filled with observations including abandoned teddies and other things that catch her attention. Inspiration for colour comes from her surroundings too: “I take particular influence from the Margate skies in the colours that I use.” Books and music also shape Keenleyside’s work. What she is reading or listening to while she paints can affect her mood and, in turn, the work taking shape in the studio, while also inspiring its titles.

Visual influences, however, are something the artist approaches more selectively. Keenleyside tries not to focus too heavily on individual artists while painting, preferring to maintain her own voice, though exhibitions in London and artists she discovers through Instagram continue to inform the way she thinks about colour. The artists around the artist impact her in a different way: Keenleyside describes her daily conversations with friends at TKE Studios as fundamental to the development of her paintings.

Keenleyside’s Champion is Dame Tracey Emin DBE RA, the British artist and founder of TKE Studios and the Tracey Emin Artist Residency (TEAR). Emin first encountered Keenleyside’s work during the application process for TEAR. Even virtually, the paintings made an immediate impression.

“When I first saw her work, it was as images on a screen, part of her application for TEAR. Paintings of bears, teddy bears. They could have been cute if they weren’t so huge with such dramatic brush work. Slightly insane and wild. The combination was actually shocking.”

Emin has since watched the work change at close range.

“Over the last 18 months Esme has pushed her painting and subject matter into something very niche, something very personal but something we all relate to, moments in our lives when we become aware. A moment when time freezes and becomes an important memory.

She expresses the loss of these moments in a very understated and honest way, using photos from her childhood, abandoned stuffed toys and a love of the cutest animals. Childhood dreams fade, her paint fades and the memories appear. Whether it’s large full-on paintings or the smallest delicate water colours, Esme is on an exciting journey. I’m very proud that Tracey Emin Foundation is part of that.”