Once Upon a Time…

There was a girl whose path was shaped by quiet determination, creativity, and a deep-rooted love for making art. Raised in a lively family-run bakery in the Philippines, she learnt the value of hard work early on. With little to spare but plenty of imagination, she once crafted her own paper dolls when her family couldn’t afford to buy one — complete with hand-drawn outfits and accessories. She began selling them to school friends at the age of eight, unknowingly starting her artistic journey.

Inspired by her father’s craftsmanship and her sister’s success as a professional artist, Alma developed a lifelong connection to art. Those early lessons in resourcefulness and resilience continue to guide her today.

Now based at Wimbledon Art Studios in London, Alma is the founder of Paperdoll Art Studio, where she runs three working studios and leads a growing team of professional artists. She hosts regular painting workshops and private art sessions, creating relaxed, welcoming spaces for all skill levels. Her mission goes beyond teaching — she champions other artists by giving them a platform to lead, grow, and connect.

Alma’s signature bird’s-eye view seascapes draw from her relationship with the sea — memories of swimming, surfing, and island life. Her textured paintings, layered with metallic ink and fluid movement, invite a quiet moment of pause, depth, and escape.

She has been featured in London Life and House & Garden, exhibited with Adlib Gallery in Wimbledon Village, and regularly showcases her work at major art fairs across the UK. Her distinctive paintings have also appeared on large-scale posters across London Underground stations — a powerful testament to how far her creativity has taken her. From hand-drawn paper dolls to running a full creative studio, Alma continues to carve her place in the British art scene with authenticity, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to sharing art with others.