Janet Bell, Artist
How long have you been painting?
I graduated in textiles in 1997 but started painting in 2000 when living by the sea in Brighton. I found it a very inspiring place as there are so many creative people living there. After selling my first paintings within 24 hours of taking them to my first gallery, I was hooked. There is nothing like the feeling that somebody wants to put your work on their walls and look at it every day.
What inspires you?
This is a very tricky question as the list is so long. Living by the sea inspires me enormously. Waking up every morning to the sound of seagulls makes me smile. Every aspect of seaside living: harbours, beach huts, boats, beach walks, bunting, oh just everything. Finding a row of different coloured houses in sundrenched colours delights me. I surround myself with things that inspire me, lots of things, from a patterned tablecloth to a bowlful of colourful buttons, fresh flowers, the list is endless. These things will appear from time to time in my window series paintings. I love that I can put some personal item into my paintings, they are an extension of my personality.
How would you describe your work?
Colourful and happy. When I visit places I do some sketching and take photographs but back in the studio I hope to recreate on canvas, the emotions I felt when I was there. As I said, happy really.
What materials do you use?
I use acrylic paint on canvas then I work into the painting with watercolour pencils and pastels.
What are your favourite parts of the SouthHams?
Dartmouth is incredibly inspiring, everywhere you look I see a painting, the colourful houses of Bayards and the views over to Kingswear. Dittisham is a charming place and the boat trip there only adds to the pleasure. I love scouring the beach at Torcross for great pebbles and yacht - watching at Salcombe are also favourites.
You are showing alongside Sasha Harding at this exhibition - do you know her work?
I have been a fan of Sasha’s work for a long time and actually have a print of hers on my wall at home. Her sense of colour is so fresh but subtle and I love her characters. I feel greatly honoured to be showing alongside her.
First Published May 2008 By The Dart
