Art: 47
A LIGHT TOUCH
Jo Willis uses shadow to create striking rural scenes My dad was a part-time artist, but art didn’t interest me much when I was growing up. Perhaps I was playing the part of the rebellious teenager, refusing to study art as my father felt that I should. Whilst I was good at drawing, I did little aside from copying LP covers or sketching clothing when I studied the history of fashion. It wasn’t until 2012, when I was 49-years-old, that I truly applied myself. I realised that if ever I was meant to be an artist, it was now or never.
the equipment, which was useful as I didn't know which medium I would like working with, be it acrylics, pastels, oils or water colours. It turned out that I took to oil paints. I went there for two years and my output was dominate by landscapes and floral scenes. Then I came to a crossroads. My work was beginning to stagnate. I wanted to improve but Lydia couldn’t be expected to dedicate all her time to me as I was in a mixed group. She suggested that I seek the help of an oil painting specialist.
The First Steps
The Comfort Zone
I went to The Art Academy on Foundry Lane Industrial Estate in Horsham, run by Lydia Sanderson. Lydia gave me a photograph of a harbour scene and told me to copy it whilst she went to make a cup of tea. She came back, said ‘Okay, you can draw!’ I was handed some paint and I loved it! The Art Academy is very sociable and flexible in terms of commitment. It suited me perfectly. Lydia provided
Piers Ottey runs dedicated oil painting classes at The Mill Studio in Ford, near Arundel. He persuaded me to experiment with different subject matters and I quickly moved away from landscapes. As well as expanding my subject matter, I developed my technique. Piers showed me how by painting light and dark shades, you can create the face. I was genuinely amazed to see it happen.
Sunrise (Courtesy of Jo Willis)