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Joy Kirton -
Smith |
List Joy Kirton - Smith Prints |
| I spent my early years in the Black
Country near Stourbridge, where I was born. My family later moved to the Worcestershire
countryside, where I attended the local village school in Old Fleet on the banks of the
River Severn. During this time my father and two elder brothers ran a family business in
painting and decorating. This was a big influence to me as they were always adventurous in
trying out new materials and innovative styles. Their influence in my informative years
was significant in my subsequent attraction to art, with particular regard to the
development of flux and backgrounds that are unique to my style of painting. My formal introduction to art came many years later. Once again I returned to a classroom setting. On this occasion I attended Halesowen College where I obtained an A-Level in fine art. After completing my A-level I continued attending the college as a member of their workshop group. During this time I became fascinated with the drawing techniques that could bring vibrancy and movement onto canvas and paper. The masters of the Italian Renaissance, particularly Michelangelo, remain my main inspiration. I have also studied in great detail the original drawing techniques of Rembrandt and the Flemish School in the Rjyksmuseum, Amsterdam. I have had many successful exhibitions throughout the UK and Europe and was recently a finalist in the Fine Art Trade Guild’s ‘Best Artist’ category. Over 40 of my works have been published as fine quality limited editions – most of which (I'm glad to say) sell out upon publication. IDEAS & INSPIRATIONS As mentioned earlier I am greatly inspired my masters of the Italian Renaissance. The history of art is a reflection of life at that time. The romanticism of the artists and the sculptors in Florence was occurring at the same time as Shakespeare was writing his plays and sonnets in Stratford and London. The classicism of this era remains the main inspiration for my paintings. I am always in search of new reference to support the development of my work. For this purpose I love traveling, and have gained valuable experience from such diverse places as Venice and the Mardi Gras Carnival in New Orleans. Another great influence on my work was living in Grand Cayman for a year. Here, I used to watch the beautiful sunsets and their colours reflecting on the blue sea. These remain in my memory and my paintings today. Also, my recent trip to Prague gave me the first hand experience of gothic and medieval architecture, which is another great influence on my work. Travel is such an important aspect of my life. Wherever I go, there is always something to bring back as a reference. |
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