Gianna Milani
Catherine Lawson
The first thing that strikes me when I look at Gianna Milani’s artwork is her use of blues. From rich cerulean skies to deep ultramarine seas, they capture all that is glorious about our beloved Ayrshire coastline. Beyond the blues, however, lies a rich and nuanced palette which reflects the vibrance of her own life and the journey that brought her to these Scottish shores.
As a primary teacher by trade, half Italian but South African born, Gianna has spent much of her career igniting a passion for art in young people around the world. Before settling in Scotland six years ago, she took her creative flair to classrooms in South Africa, London and Ukraine, where she was inspired by her surroundings and the different cultural influences at play. While in South Africa she also worked for a charity that provided art classes for children from disadvantaged communities, and the pride they experienced when they saw what they could accomplish was a joy to see.
When she came to Scotland back in 2020, she initially settled on the Isle of Bute – a place that proved to be a massive inspiration for her work.
“Isle of Bute is just stunning. I spent many hours walking my Ukrainian rescue dog as we explored and took in the amazing scenery – it truly is God’s beautiful creation. I would take photos of specific areas of light and texture which caught my eye and then go back to my studio where I would paint a picture of the scene I’d captured. I still do that here in Troon, though I’d eventually like to do more painting on site.”
Gianna’s faith plays a large part in her life and her approach to art. When she captures the wonders of the world, she does so through the lens of her beliefs, taking time to notice the everyday miracles around her.
“Being in God’s beautiful creation makes me feel closer to Him. Light is what attracts me wherever I go, particularly when I see it reflected on water. One of my biggest challenges is trying to show the fluidity of water in my work so that it comes to life on canvas. I also love light through trees – how it brings to life all the different greens. Scotland has amazing lighting to capture. It lets me bring a sense of movement into my work, creating flow and light and a sense of depth.”
I ask Gianna about her style – how it emerged and how it changes with her experiences.
“My style has varied through the years. I enjoy incorporating texture and I want my work to speak to people on different levels. I love how paintings can grab one’s attention when viewed from across the room, but then offer more when viewed up close through the detail that emerges close in. I mainly use brushes and painting knives but have also used earbuds and bankcards, and fingers can also work! I’m always learning and adapting, using different techniques to create different effects. You could say I’m a work in progress.”
I’m curious about the process for Gianna and what the endless hours in her studio teach her about herself, given art so often involves a level of engagement in the process which sparks inner-reflection.
“I’d say art has taught me patience. I often feel frustrated because like many artists I’m a perfectionist, obsessed with details. Sometimes I’ll leave a piece of work if I’m feeling stuck and then go back with fresh eyes. I love it when I do that and something unexpected emerges which is slightly different from the original plan. You get to know yourself as an artist over time and what works for you.”
More recently Gianna has been experimenting with black Indian ink, working on commissions that are sketches of homes, businesses and buildings that are meaningful to her clients. She’s also been painting scenes in miniature, which locals could easily pop in their bags so they have a little of that light and love with them wherever they go.
Whether investing in an original painting or sitting your cuppa on a coaster that sings all the blues, Gianna is creating art which brings joy to all and her passion for her work shines through.
“I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to create and to be able to share my art with others.”
Gianna’s work can be viewed on her website (www.giannamilaniart.com) and through her Instagram page
@giannamilaniart
Gianna also exhibits her work in the Castle Gallery on Isle of Bute and in COAST in Troon.
*Upcoming event: From 11th-13th September, you can meet Gianna and view her work at the Open Studios event in Lochgreen House Hotel and Spa where she will be exhibiting with three other artists.
www.openstudiosayrshire.com/exhibition/2026-open-studios-event/
