Calling all creatives! It's time for our March edition of our Artist of the Month blog. From breathtaking painters to skilled illustrators, this blog series celebrates talented artists that we have had the pleasure of collaborating with. So whether you're an artist yourself or simply appreciate the beauty of art, this blog is for you. Let's take a moment to immerse ourselves in the world of art and be inspired by the incredible works of our featured artists.
This month, we introduce you to Glasgow-based visual artist Jenny Hunter, who captures the beauty of her surroundings through her stunning oil and watercolour paintings. We've been in touch with Jenny to find out more about her and her craft...
Q. Where have you found inspiration lately?
A. In 2021 I received a grant from Creative Scotland to develop my work, and during lockdown I began exploring my local area, Glasgow tenements and buildings - mostly Victorian Architecture. I love the colours of the soft sandstone set against the reflections in the large windows. And I’ve discovered that lots of people feel the same about Glasgow. It’s not about the landmark buildings or institutions, but the everyday street corners and familiar views.
Shadows Queens Drive
Q. Is there a piece of art or a project that you are particularly excited about right now?
A. I’ve started painting views from the train coming into Glasgow from the Southside. Such iconic views that are embedded in our minds, and I’ve recently realised how much they resonate with others.
I like working outdoors, sketching and drawing, and traditionally my landscape paintings have always begun this way. Painting buildings is new for me and started during lockdown. I would go into Glasgow and stand on Hope Street in the city centre and start drawing. People are very respectful and don’t ask questions. One day I was on the squinty bridge drawing the view down the River Clyde. I put my drawing on social media and someone commented that they had passed me on the bridge. It’s so cool that these incidental interactions happen.
I go out drawing with my friends and we are always on the lookout for a good spot. Recently staff at Glasgow Central Station gave us a room looking over the concourse to draw for the day, it was amazing. I need to go back.
Coming into Central
I have never painted outside using oils, and I’m watching other artists on social media doing this, so, that’s my next move. I need to find the right spot on a dry day with lots of layers on!
Q. What kinds of tools or references do you like to use when creating artwork?
A. At the moment I am mainly painting with oils onto canvas. I have lots of old oils that have been donated to me, and I splash out on some expensive artist quality colours too. But I love switching to watercolours as well, especially if you are travelling. I use Old Holland watercolours as well as Daniel Smith. But you also can’t beat a 2B pencil!
Crinan Canal
Q. What artists or artworks (from your life or art history) do you admire or consider influential to your work & why?
A. I love the paintings of American water colourists John Singer Sargent and Edward Hopper. They have such a light touch and describe their subject matter with beautiful simplicity, it’s breathtaking.
I love Scottish Painter Joan Eardley. She died too young, but was an incredible talent. She painted the children of Glasgow’s Townhead area in the 50’s and 60’s capturing the social heart of Glasgow, which contrast with her expressive and wild landscapes of Catterline. What an inspiration.
Machair, Coll
I follow Monet, Van Gogh and Pissarro on twitter and you get to see a much wider range of their work here than you normally see in galleries or books. It’s fascinating and helps to gain a fresh perspective on their work. I’m getting a renewed appreciation for the barriers they broke down at the time, paving the way for the rest of us.
I’ve also loved David Hockney’s work and how he has spent his life adapting to new methods and ways of working. A truly creative life. His ipad drawings and swimming pool paintings are so different and bold. But I also really like his early Art School paintings and collages.
Oxalis
Q. What advice do you have for other new or aspiring artists?
A. Gosh, it’s not an easy way to make a living, but if you are driven then you need to follow your heart. I think flexibility is important, and collaborate where you can. Opportunity happens when you don’t expect it.
Q. Professionally, what has been your biggest achievement so far?
A. Studying Painting at Glasgow School of Art and getting into a few big exhibitions have been important. Years ago I had work in ‘Art For Sale’ Exhibitions in Bayswater, London and my painting hung next to a Gillian Ayres. That was pretty incredible.
Horgabost, Harris
I am a member of the Glasgow Society of Women Artists, and recently had a painting accepted into the Glasgow Art Club. But selling my work to complete strangers who want to hang it on their walls is amazing really. What a privilege.
Q. What is your first memory of creating art?
A. I remember drawing a dog in school when I was about 8 and everyone in the class asking me to draw a dog for them too. I think that’s the first time I was aware that I was any good. I remember also being upset because it felt like I was cheating as I was copying the dog from a picture!
Black Shed, Coll
Q. How do you spend your time when you’re not creating artwork?
A. Art is central to my working life. I work for arts organisations getting funding to run artist led community projects and I love it. You get to see first-hand what a difference art makes. We need more creativity in everyone’s lives!
Outside of work I love my family and friends and socialising. Gardening is such a therapy for me, and brings me a lot of joy, as well as aches and pains! I plan growing flowers to paint too. I love swimming in the sea in the west coast of Scotland, or on a Scottish Island, and at Christmas my husband bought me a wet suit so that I could swim on New Year’s Day. It was exhilarating!
Tarbert Boats
Q. What work do you most enjoy doing?
A. I love a painting day, no computer, no social media, just creating new work while listening to podcasts. Immersed in the experience.
Q. What is your dream project?
A. I would so love to collaborate with other artists and work in different mediums. I’ve always loved David Hockney’s work where he designed stage sets for theatre and opera. Imagine getting that kind of opportunity! That would be amazing. Just leaving that there…..
Queens Park in the Snow
It's always such a joy to discover and connect with fellow creatives like Jenny! We feel so inspired by her stunning paintings and contagious passion for art. If you want to find out more about Jenny and shop her amazing art, head on over to her website and Instagram. And don't forget to stay tuned for next month's edition!