Why I paint

My motives for painting have always been pretty consistent. As a kid, I just loved seeing people smile at something I’d made.

I loved getting stuck in, switching off and creating something, then showing it off because everyone had to be nice. I was a kid. Whether it was drawing, modelling clay or making “that’s interesting” jewellery using my trusty old stone polisher, I just liked making things.

Painting and drawing became my go-to because they were always possible. Even when I had very little space, money or materials, I could still draw and paint.

I’m a largely self-taught painter. I like figuring things out for myself, breaking a few rules and seeing what happens. Mostly because I don’t like being told what to do.

My only trip to the headmaster’s office at school was because my tutor was mad that I wouldn’t let her paint on my work. I didn’t want perfect grades. I wanted to see what I was capable of.

I've learned my lessons, when I've strayed into other peoples rules my creativity stalled.

Find a niche.
Develop a recognisable style.
Understand your audience.
Build a personal brand.
Paint more of what sells

I gave it a go and deleted the lot. I don't need a method or raging success, I just need a bit of time, space and materials.

So now I’m winging it and I’m much happier. I just get to work and let the magic unfold.

So here we are. A collection of whatever I’m painting in the moment.

And if you fancy a laugh, I’ve put my archive on here too, so you can see just how much my work has changed over the years.

Sadly, none of the jewellery survived. Which is a bloody shame, because it was interesting.

💙 Jo