Jo Watters-Pawlowski East Sussex, United Kingdom
In 1985 I graduated from Winchester School of Art specialising in textile design and printed surfaces. Following a solo career as a textile designer and printer I made a natural transition towards painting in 1997. In 2021 I decided to leave a specialist teaching post to become a full time painter and establish my practice and professional presence. I live and work in Ditchling, East Sussex
Sussex landscapes, riverscapes, and seascapes strongly influence my paintings. I work on canvas, linen, board and paper, initially making simple line drawings, sketches, and colour references on location. These drawings are very raw, bold, and uninhibited. When I am back in the studio, I use preparatory sketches to form the basis for my work. In the initial stages, I work on several paintings of varying sizes at the same time, and this helps me to visualize the direction of the final painting.
I use several layers of paint, oil, water, and wax to build up colour and tone and a palette knife to apply paint. Various mark-making tools that scrape and scratch the surface are also used to create texture and details. As I start painting, my visual memory and energy from the original drawings and sketches develop. I work on several pieces at a time, allowing the oils to dry and settle. This will enable me to stand back and evaluate the painting's impact on me.
My paintings are abstract but reference the natural environment. I respond to colour, sound, shape and form all of which help me understand how I can define the characteristics of my work.