Jan Barnett’s new solo exhibition ‘Miscellany’ has no central theme. It is an eclectic group of experimental work inspired by aspects of her life, past and present. Often stopping to capture a shot of something that’s aught her imagination, Jan develops some of these into paintings, before moving on to another idea. Her latest works (ongoing) are inspired by Worthing’s delightful faded facades, tatty posters and off-season seaside architecture. Local landscape has also become a feature.
Jan works mainly in acrylic from her studio in Ferring and recently has returned to watercolour and gouache, as they’re more accommodating in busy art groups.
In the latter half of 2023, she completed four completely diverse commissions: A Late in Life Wedding: in the style of early David Hockney portraits.
Coco: an eight month old puppy happily chasing egrets on a local beach.
A Bethnal Green Street View: railway arches, overhead train, graffiti.
Paul’s Plaice: a new version of her “Fisherman’s Hut” painting which was accepted into the WTM Open 21, then sold privately last summer (photos displayed in a folder in the gallery).
Original cards will be available.
Jan, who’s been painting and drawing since childhood, is a member of The West Sussex Art Society, Arun Art Society and a small local portrait group.
Background:
West Sussex School of Art, Union Place, Worthing (Foundation Course).
Camberwell School of Art (BA Hons. Printed & Woven Textiles).
Many years in advertising; after quitting the media world, she took up painting and life drawing sessions at Blackheath Conservatoire.
Jan successfully exhibited several times at various South London galleries before moving to West Sussex in 2015.
Exhibited at Wine & Reason, Worthing.
Six of her paintings have been shortlisted at the RA Summer Exhibition.
