- Stock: In Stock
- Artist: Sam Toft
- Model: 4530
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All I Need is You...and You is a heartwarming limited edition artwork by acclaimed British artist Sam Toft, whose gentle, whimsical illustrations have captured the hearts of collectors across the UK and beyond. Known for her playful yet emotionally resonant storytelling, Toft celebrates life's quiet joys and tender moments through her distinctive 'wonky donkey' technique, layering and reworking oil pastels to create texture, movement, and a sense of intimacy in every piece.
This delightful composition brings together Ernest Hemingway Mustard, his wife Violet, and their faithful dog Doris in the centre of the artwork, forming a loving, interconnected trio. Ernest and Violet stand back to back, holding hands, while Doris sits at their feet, eager to join in the affectionate moment. Violet's face is visible, radiating contentment and happiness, while Ernest and Doris are shown from behind, creating a sense of quiet intimacy and shared connection among the three.
The background is a bold mustard-yellow, enriched with Toft's signature scraping marks and layered textures. These energetic strokes create the impression that the love and joy of the couple emanate outward, infusing the entire scene with vibrancy and life. The combination of bright colour, tactile surface, and gently imperfect lines captures Toft's playful approach to composition while imbuing the artwork with emotional depth.
Produced as a giclée print on paper, the work preserves the tactile richness and textural nuance of Toft's original pastel strokes. Each print is hand-signed and numbered by the artist and presented in a cream stepped wooden frame, which complements the warm tones of the composition and enhances the overall charm of the piece. Measuring 17.5 cm x 17.5 cm (image size) and approximately 38 cm x 38 cm when framed, this artwork is perfectly suited to intimate spaces, creating a focal point that conveys affection and joy.
With an edition size of 395, plus an additional 40 artist proofs, this limited edition piece ensures collectors a faithful and high-quality representation of Toft's original vision. The giclée printing process maintains the depth, colour vibrancy, and texture of the original, allowing the energy and love of the scene to radiate from the surface of the print.
All I Need is You...and You captures the signature qualities that make Sam Toft's work so beloved: warmth, humour, and a tender attention to life's small yet meaningful moments. Ernest, Violet, and Doris remind us that love and happiness are found in togetherness, in shared gestures, and in the quiet joy of being present with those we care about.
Edition Size: 395 + 40 Artist Proofs - Hand signed and numbered by the artist
Image Size: 17.5 cm x 17.5 cm
Framed Size: Approx. 38 cm x 38 cm
Medium: Giclée Print on Paper (Mounted)
Includes: Certificate of Authenticity
Frame: Cream stepped wooden frame
All I Need is You...and You is a charming testament to love, friendship, and the joy of shared moments, presented with Sam Toft's characteristic warmth, humour, and textured vibrancy.
Looking for more by Sam Toft? We are delighted to present a curated selection of her limited edition prints and original works. Please feel free to contact us if you would like assistance in finding the perfect addition to your collection.
Sam Toft is a beloved British artist whose quirky and uplifting illustrations have captured the hearts of audiences across the UK and beyond. Best known for her gentle and humorous depictions of everyday life, her work revolves around the charming world of Ernest Hemingway Mustard, his wife Violet, and their faithful dog Doris-characters who navigate life's simple pleasures with warmth, whimsy, and quiet joy.
Working primarily in oil pastel on paper and board, Toft developed her signature style-affectionately referred to as the "wonky donkey" technique-which involves layering, scraping back, and reworking pigment to create texture and character in every stroke. This tactile, sketchy aesthetic gives her work a distinctive visual identity: slightly imperfect, full of movement, and rich in feeling.
Born in the UK and now based in Brighton, Toft studied illustration at art college after a varied early career that included stints in catering, civil service, and psychotherapy training. She turned to painting full-time in the early 2000s, building a loyal following with her storytelling-driven compositions and idiosyncratic characters. Each of her pieces is part of a larger narrative-a gentle, ongoing tale of love, friendship, and the small delights of everyday life.
The world she paints is intentionally low-key and nostalgic: bicycle rides in the countryside, dog walks along the shore, quiet cups of tea in a favourite café. While minimalist in composition, her works are packed with emotional nuance, celebrating the humour, contentment, and occasional melancholy of life's quiet moments.
Sam Toft's work has been widely exhibited, and her images are licensed for a popular range of prints, greeting cards, calendars, and home accessories, allowing her art to reach a broad and enthusiastic audience. Despite the scale of her commercial success, Toft has remained true to her independent ethos, maintaining creative control over her characters and storytelling, and continuing to produce original work from her Brighton studio.
Her appeal lies not just in her style but in her ability to create a world that feels lived-in, lovable, and emotionally resonant. Her titles are often playful and poetic-part of the story themselves-and add an extra layer of intimacy and connection to each piece.
Toft's art is frequently described as life-affirming, with collectors and fans drawn to the sense of peace, kindness, and gentle humour that her work offers. It provides a comforting escape-a visual reminder to slow down, find joy in small things, and see the beauty in the mundane.
Today, Sam Toft continues to paint, write, and share her uniquely personal world with fans old and new. Through her distinct visual language and ever-evolving cast of characters, she has created more than just a body of work-she has built a universe of optimism and charm that resonates deeply with the human experience.