Cheltenham Art

Artists

Jill Hammond

I have never been happy with completely representational work, if it looks like a photograph why not take a photograph?. I can however, appreciate the level of skill which goes into such work and for some this is the only way to paint.

Often I am influenced or inspired by the work of other artists – it may be something very small but a starting point for a new development in my own work. The new influence could be colour, media, scale, subject matter style, almost anything whether an artist from the past or contemporary work.

I never seem to have any trouble wondering what to paint. If I see something - a poster, postcard, or a view - I will keep the image for later use as a painting or part of a painting. I usually work from my own observations, photographs or en plein air. Subject matter varies.....still life, townscapes, seascapes whatever has recently inspired me though I tend to have 'phases'.

My work can often begin with no outline at all or sometimes a few rough outlines of the composition. I may add collage as I am going along, or start with inks and rollers to keep it loose., then add a few lines and blocks of structure, working from the background out to the final details. At the end I am only putting in a line, a reflection, a shadow or a little detail. I work in ink, gouache, acrylic, oils, tempera, collage or anything which I feel is appropriate for the work. Very rarely do I use brushes, experimenting is very exciting and can give unexpected results.

My best work comes when I am not worrying about it, working in a free way, it keeps its freshness better. One must avoid working over and over on the same area as the colours become muddy and one can 'work the painting to death'. Happy accidents are a particular delight! Lastly, I must be pleased with the work myself or it is not good enough!

• I exhibit at Art in the Park in Cheltenham, Cheltenham Art Club Exhibitions, personal exhibitions and other events

• Painting accepted into the Gardens Gallery '10' Lit Fest Exhibition.

• A painting recently published in the Leisure Painter as 'Best in Show'.

• Club Competition, best artwork in the Landscape category.

• A prizewinner in the Broadway Paint-off 2018, Broadway Arts Festival

• Work at 'Mercia Fine Art' Winchcombe • Contributor to Painters on line e newsletter

Contact Details

Email contact: hammj.chelten@gmail.com

Jill Hammond's work is also available to view on Facebook and Painters Online Gallery:

painters-online.co.uk/artist/Seascape

Cheltenham Art