Last month we joined dot-art member Jo Gough and asked her about her experience as an artist, how she got to where she is now in her artistic career and if she had any weird and wonderful creative habits!
Which medium do you work with and what do you like about it specifically?
Acrylic paint applied to canvas. I love working with acrylic paint as it enables me to add texture and colour to my art work especially with the flower detail.
Describe your style of art.
Colourful and vibrant contemporary art.
Can you talk us through your process? Do you begin with a sketch, or do you just go straight in? How long do you spend on one piece? How do you know when it is finished?
My artwork is a labour of love! I start by applying the background colour followed by a quick sketch of the landmark. Painting the landmark is a very detailed stage and can take several weeks until I’m completely happy with the final image. Next, is the fun stage when I splash the art work with a range of carefully selected colours to create a border effect. Once this stage has dried my art work is completed with my flower design resulting in an iconic, unique and joyful piece of art.
When did you begin your career in art?
I’m a self taught artist whose art career began 4 years ago when I started painting for family and friends. After 30 years of working in IT for my local Council I never thought I’d have the amazing opportunity to become a full time artist and follow my dreams.
Who or what inspires your art?
I’ve been inspired buy a number of artists who work with bright colours and flowers. The splash technique was inspired by the iconic abstract painter Jackson Pollock.
What is one of your favourite pieces you’ve done and why?
My favourite piece is of the Eastgate Clock in Chester. Both my school life and working life where spent in the beautiful city of Chester so this was the first landmark I painted and it has proved to be my most successful piece to date. I have sold many prints of this landmark and it is also a hugely popular merchandise range. Chester is also the place where the Queen was given one of my Windsor Castle coasters and I have the photo to prove it!
What are you working on at the moment?
I have just finished The Royal Albert Dock to complete my extensive Liverpool collection.
What was the best advice given to you as an artist?
Stay true to yourself and believe in your artwork.
What’s your most unusual artistic habit/strangest technique which you have learned?
I’m self taught and have developed my own style through my love of landmarks and bright colours. The Jackson Pollock technique has been developed over several years of learning to flick my brush to create the perfect splash on the canvas. I have a great pair of splattered pink crocs which I wear everytime I need to use this technique. As this is such a messy process I have an area in my garden cordoned off especially for this stage in the process. As I’ve now painted over 150 pieces using this technique the pebbles and my fence panels in my garden are now starting to look like a piece of art too!
What are your favourite things to listen to whilst painting? If anything!
I love Rod Stewart and have grown up listening his music. I have his greatest hits on my ipod and he’s always there with me especially during the many hours dedicated to painting my landmarks! Maybe I need to paint Scotland next!
Discover Jo Gough‘s original artwork and limited edition prints in The Liverpool Collection at Metquarter (first floor) until 5th January. Find out more here.