If you've been following me for a while, you'll know how my beautiful dog Wolfy's passing created a shift in my approach to painting landscapes. What used to be purely about capturing the beauty of a scene has evolved into something deeper. I find myself drawn not just to the landscapes themselves, but to the stories they hold—the lives unfolding within them, the precious moments that pass by and linger, and the memories held within a place.
Menorca definitely intensified this change. The island is as beautiful as I’d imagined, but what captivated me more were the glimpses of life that played out against its stunning backdrop. I was fascinated by so many moments that I found myself reaching for my camera at every turn. Then there’s my son, Loki, who has unexpectedly become my muse. It’s fascinating how he’s started to appear in my landscapes almost unconsciously. I think it’s because painting has become a way for me to process the changes in our relationship as he transitions from childhood into adolescence. He still reaches for my hand when we walk—a gesture I’m incredibly grateful for—but there’s also a newfound independence in him that’s both exciting and bittersweet.
This transition in our lives has become a powerful source of inspiration for me. Through painting, I’m finding a way to understand and let go, to embrace the changes rather than resist them. It’s not just about capturing the physical landscapes around me but also about holding onto the memories and exploring the new emotional landscapes we’re navigating together.
Today, I've spent time looking at the sketches I brought back with me, and I’m eager to translate many of them into finished pieces when I return to the studio this September. I'm a little nervous about losing their spontaneity, so I’ll aim to preserve the looseness of those original marks and drawings, avoiding the temptation to get too caught up in the details. Yet, it’s those tiny details in my latest paintings that have become the unique and magical elements that draw you in. As you lean in for a closer look, something new will catch your eye, and suddenly the landscape will change.
You can catch me and some of my colorful landscape paintings from Cornwall, Scotland, and Sardinia at the Hampshire Open Studios this week. I’m exhibiting in Romsey alongside the very talented Woodman Drabble.
Then I'll be heading out to the New Forest with Loki to visit friends, head to the beach, and hopefully squeeze in some sketching during the last week of the summer holidays.
Jo X
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