Gillian graduated in Fine Art with honours from Sunderland College of Art in 1970. She went on to do her post grad at Leicester University, which was then followed by 28 years of teaching art in secondary education in Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire.
Whilst still teaching, Gillian also painted to commission and for exhibitions. In 1999 she started a full time career as a professional artist, eventually setting up her own studio at Patchings Art Centre, Notts, where she worked until the beginning of 2005. She now works from her studio at home in Calverton.
Gillian is best known for her studies and interpretations of the sea, marine life and rock formations. In 2001 she was awarded the title Nottinghamshire Professional Artist of the Year for a 3.0x 1.0 metre triptych of the north Devon coast. Her search for inspiration takes her all over the world. A working trip to Zanzibar in 2001 was followed by an exhibition at the Mall Gallery, London.
Always drawn by the sea, its ever- changing mood, colour and form never ceases to excite. Gillian's work has evolved over the years from a relatively literal interpretation of subject matter to a more exciting, contemporary response.
Her current work is mainly on canvas and combines various materials both natural and man-made with acrylic paints. She makes use of different coloured sands, pumice, sea-worn slate, pebbles and many others. Her work explores both textural and light-reflective qualities. She also works in abstract form using watercolour with trailed acrylics and other materials on heavyweight paper. Visitors to her studio have been captivated and intrigued by her unique work. It can be found in private collections worldwide.
Currently, her work can be viewed at Leabrooks Gallery, Derbyshire, DE55
4HB
e-mail: leabrooksgallery@tiscali.co.uk