Jackie Charlton


Studied law at Ealing College of Technology, worked in private practice in Weston and Bristol and for Bristol City Council as a Commercial Conveyancing Officer from 1983 to date.

Art related Studies to date:-

2004 Associate Diploma in Interior Design from the Rhodec
International School of Interior Design by distance learning

2005 Interior Design at Weston College – Level 2

2006 Special Paint Effects at Weston College – Level 3

2007 to date Foundation Degree in Applied Art and Design

October December 2008 Work Placement as an Arts Administrator with the Lloyd Gill Gallery in Weston-super-Mare

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

I enjoy the challenge of figurative drawing and painting – particularly of the human and horse form. The interaction between light and shadow and their effect on colour and form fascinates me.

Since breaking my back in a fall from a horse I have concentrated more on drawing the horse and in my two horse pictures in the Exhibition I am disassembling its form, exploring the boundaries between skin, muscle and bone, concentrating on certain areas and hi-lighting in colour the horse’s movement, where it almost becomes a dance.

My angel picture, “Patricia”, was inspired by memories of my mother and how I felt when she passed from this world into the next, where I believe she has found true peace. A drawing of my mother at the age of 17 inspires the face and my work draws on my deep belief in the natural balance in our world.

Having studied Latin and read the Aeneid written by Virgil in the old language, mythology, and in particular the drawings, Tales from Ovid by the contemporary artist, Brian Gorst, influenced my large painting. Juturna, goddess of springs.

The works of the Symbolist painters, particularly Gustav Klimt and Hugo Simberg, also inspire me.

Through my art I seek out what lies beneath my subject, the indefinable essence, which attracts me towards creating my version of their image and individualising my own interpretation of their inner beauty.