Featured Artist
We are pleased to introduce one of our most popular artists and the first featured artist, Janice McGloine. Self taught artist Janice, who has been painting professionally since 1993, kindly took the time to answer our questions.
Your professional career began painting portraits, how did you progress onto architecture and buildings?
Painting portraits requires absolute accuracy and precision to achieve the likeness and character of a subject and after 14 years, I felt I needed to "loosen" my style and express myself a bit more. I have always been interested in architecture and moving to a different part of the country with it's different landscape and buildings, made me look at things in a different way.
How did your characteristically 'quirky' style develop?
Ever since I was a child, I've seen faces in house facades so I developed my "quirky" style to allow me to express a fun element to my paintings and give the buildings human-like qualities. I see rows of houses as people each with their own personalities, some huddled together, others standing proud.
What inspires you?
My inspiration comes from all around me. I live by the sea, close to the Lake District in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - you can't fail to be inspired.
You didn't begin professionally painting until you had married and started a family, did you find it an escape from the stresses of being a mum?
I find that when I'm painting, I can forget everyday worries and become immersed in a place of my choosing which is fantastic!
Are your country and seashore pictures based loosely on real locations or are they completely fictional?
I used to holiday in Cornwall as a child and I think my memories have influenced my seaside paintings although they are completely fictional and the countryside scenes are my idea of the perfect country village.