About Jennifer Johnson
On a painting holiday, I feel it is important for you to go home with a body of work that captures a definitive flavour of where you have been. The architecture, light, colours and vegetation should all be reflected in your paintings.
I also like the idea of sketchbook-type studies and observations rather than always a ‘finished picture’. I will encourage you to have a different way of ‘seeing’ the subject and want you to explore the full potential of the medium that is being used.
Your painting holiday with me will be quite student led. I am happy to instruct in oils, watercolour, pastels, pen and all drawing mediums and always encourage you to try a different method, medium or technique. There is a strong emphasis on direct observation and draughtmanship and I am happy to work with all levels including beginners.
L’Age Baston gives you endless opportunities for painting and drawing. You also have the added bonus of the resident donkeys, the cat and friendly sheep as potential models. Most importantly, there is the precious time to help fulfil your artistic potential and to give you lots of individual tuition where needed. All this is supported with a spacious and well-equipped studio set amongst Walnut trees providing shady locations to paint and draw in. Add wonderful food and wine and L’Age Baston certainly provides a heady mix of ingredients for an unforgettable experience.
I began my career in London as a graphic designer after having completed an art degree. Whilst working for BBC Publications, I gained considerable experience as a book designer and illustrator. I still work as an illustrator, mainly for reference books on gardening, cookery and environmental issues.
My paintings are representational and inspired by shape, movement, colour and atmosphere, with a strong emphasis on drawing. I love the translucency and immediacy of watercolour, the vibrant brush marks of oils and the expressive line and subtle tones of a drawing.
I accept commissions for portraits, book illustration and also architectural drawings and paintings for estate agents and developers. I regularly take part in Devon Art Trails and have exhibitions in Kingsbridge and Salcombe. My work is featured in The Big Book of Contemporary Illustration by Martin Dawber, published by Batsford. For the last five years, I have been ‘Artist in Residence’ at Ways With Words, a literary festival held in July at Dartington. Throughout the year I am asked to demonstrate and tutor many courses and workshops, from portraiture to landscapes, for renowned local art Societies in Devon. This is my 11th year teaching painting at L’Age Baston.
My time at L’Age Baston is one of the highlights of my year. You should join me there so it becomes one of yours too!
Gallery of Painting Tutor Jennifer Johnson
Here is a small selection of Jennifer Johnson’s work. These paintings will give you an idea of her style and way of seeing things. Click on an image to enlarge it and then click on the side arrows to see the next in sequence. If you want to know more about Jennifer Johnson and her art then please read Jennifer’s Tutor Profile. You can also return to the Painting Course Home Page or visit her website http://www.jenniferjohnsonartist.co.uk.
All images Copyright © Jennifer Johnson.
Kit Guide
After another busy winter and Spring, my thoughts are turning to my next visit to L’Age Baston, something to always look forward to. I can’t think of anything better than to be wined and dined in such good company whilst painting and drawing with inspiration around every corner. It’s just bliss.
If you are coming on a painting course with me and need some ideas on what to bring, please see my below list. The essence of the holiday will be to capture the atmosphere, colour, light and architecture with mediums that you are familiar with. But I would like to encourage ‘trying’ a different method, medium or technique.
Below is a suggested list of the painting materials you might like to bring:
Basic watercolour painting kit
- Pad of Cartridge (drawing) paper A4
- Sketching pencils a selection of hard to soft
- 2/3 sheets of coloured drawing paper (suitcase size) for pastels or charcoal drawings
- 2/3 sheets of watercolour paper (suitcase size) I like Arches Rough 140lb. 300gsm
- Watercolour pad or block 7”x10”
- Small sketchbook for drawing and light watercolour washes (for field trips)
Brushes
- Watercolour paints (or whatever medium you prefer
- Palette
- Water container (for field trips)
- Pencil sharpener
- Putty Rubber
- Masking tape /Gum strip
- View finder (2 ‘L’ shaped pieces of card)
- Rubber bands / Bulldog clips for keeping paper in place
- Drawing pens (waterproof) for pen and wash work
- Camera
- 2 lightweight pieces of suitcase size board (i.e. foam board, mount board etc.) to protect loose sheets of paper in transit
Optional kit
- Dip pen
- Coloured pencils (water soluble or otherwise)
- Charcoal
- Pastels
- 2/3 sheets of coloured drawing paper (suitcase size) for pastels or charcoal drawings
If you want to paint in oils or acrylics, I would also welcome these and please bring what kit you are used to using. However if you need further assistance or have any questions about the course, please do not hesitate to email me and I will be very happy to help.