Sensuous enchantment, vibrance, colours, textures, depth and decoration are the words Jan uses to describe her work and the use of rich, magical colours and subtle nuances define her range of water based media images.
Visit her website to view her collections and details of her upcoming workshops, including 'Land of Colour' 9th - 12th July 2012.

Visit: www.jangardner.com
Tel: 07518 941287

Jan Gardner - Land of Colour- 9^th - 12^th July

This 4 day workshop introduces a variety of drawing materials and ways of drawing in colour, using representational observation and drawing with a range of tools, e.g pencil, pastel, dip pen, brush, stick sponge, spray. We will also look at some colour theory and explore colour mixing, mark making and experimenting with water- colour. This `Land of colour` experience is for people with no previous experience who would like to explore the magical world of colour.

The 4 days will enable participants to be inspired by natural forms and the landscape. Those taking part will be encouraged to use colour and mark making with a range of media (acrylics, inks, pastel and collage) to gain insight into their own responses. Jan encourages you to have the confidence to explore your own unique way of working through drawing and painting. With the stunning backdrop of Dolwyddelan and seasonal range of colours and views of the area we will explore ways of working in sketchbooks and a range of pieces on water-colour paper. This workshop is especially for those who would like to explore mixed media for the first time as well as those with some experience.

www.jangardner.com

Jan Gardner - Artist statement

Sensuous enchantment, vibrance, colours, textures, depth and decoration. I am intrigued and excited by stories, places, my imagination,dreams, music and journeys. Whichever I choose can develop and distill, juxtaposing the layers, colours and embellishments, always striving for my own unique space. 

Jan Gardner was born and brought up in North Wales and spent much of her early years wandering the lanes and hills around her home. It was here that the light, space and colours that inhabit her work first became an influence. Drawing on these memories and experiences of special places and her later travels in Europe, Morocco and the U.S.A.; she crafts vivid and atmospheric works. Colours that fly in from emotion and passion, relaying a deep connection with the varied, differing landscapes from which they evolve. 

The absolute joy and life affirming quality of her work is gleaned from her desire to look further, texture,mark-making and layering becomes apparent, a legacy from her time spent at Winchester School of Art. One of the most noticeable aspects of Jan`s work is her use of rich, magical colours, subtle nuances with the range of water-based media, something that has pre-occupied her for many years, linking the response to pure colours and the spiritual. In 2007 Jan was awarded an Arts Council of Wales research grant which enabled her to explore the source of her palette and the ancient and contemporary manufacture of pure pigment in Milan, New York and Geneva.  

Jan continues to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with a wide audience via her exhilarating workshops and residencies. Celebrating the achievement and discovery individuals` can attain at any point in their lives is a dual joy alongside creating her own unique art-works. 

“Art does not reproduce what we see; rather it makes us see”   Paul Klee