I was born in Nottinghamshire on the borders of Sherwood Forest, part of a traditional farming family. After an “A” level in art, I progressed to an honours degree in Archaeology and Ancient History extensively utilising my interest in archaeological illustration and artefact drawing.
Jennifer Ridgeley was born and educated in the borough of Richmond on Thames. Moving to Hertfordshire in her twenties, she gained her teaching degree there in the late 1960’s, taking Art as her main subject. Her work at that time was much influenced by Morris Louis (1912-62.) and his “veils”.
I was born in 1971 in Lancashire and almost immediately began illustrating fantastic stories around the age of four. I think I later became an illustrator to avoid getting a proper job, which backfired disastrously when I discovered that not only is being an illustrator considered respectable in some quarters, its also bloody hard work. Thankfully despite winning awards my illustration career was short-lived enough allowing me to become a rather more disreputable ‘fine artist,’ quite painlessly.
Capturing the essence and spirit of the subject is my overriding consideration and challenge when painting wildlife. Sometimes it is in illustrative details other times it will be in heavy impasto and when out sketching watercolour and ink is the preferred choice. I sketch on my tablet and even create sculptures if I feel that better represents the subject in front of me or within.
Working in acrylic, watercolour, ink and pastel, Gillian’s favourite subjects are seascapes, woodlands and the wild rugged landscape of Cornwall, all to be found in close proximity to where she lives and works in Falmouth.
At the age of 13 Griff won a scholarship to Wakefield School of Arts & Crafts using the same handheld instruments to make marks and the same pigments ground to make paint as had been used for centuries. This was the foundation for his work in the years to come.
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