|
|
Scottish artist Joan Somerville is entirely self-taught. Although given the opportunity to study at the Glasgow School of Art upon leaving school, she decided instead to start a family and later embarked on a 12 year career in local government. She then tried a succession of different jobs, while continuing to draw and paint both in her spare time.
Joan’s career as a full-time artist began over six years ago, when she approached several Glasgow galleries with her portfolio. Her work was very well received and, within six months, she was being exhibited across the city by various galleries, including the prestigious Nancy Smillie Gallery in the West End. In her first year, Joan had been given her first solo exhibition and had also been chosen as one of five major prize winners in the Smith Art Gallery & Museum’s ‘Brave Art’ competition. Her winning painting is now part of the museum’s permanent collection in Stirling.
Group and solo exhibitions in Glasgow and London quickly followed, with her light-hearted paintings attracting a huge number of collectors from all walks of life. Joan has also succeeded in capturing the attention of US buyers, having shown her portfolio to several galleries in Soho, New York, who leapt at the chance of exhibiting and selling her work. Her paintings are now collected worldwide, including across the States, Europe, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Joan works from an attic studio in her home on the outskirts of Glasgow with her partner Ross.
Commenting on her art, Joan says, “I genuinely love life and live very much for the day and the moment. I’m definitely a free spirit and hate to be confined or live to rules! My work is certainly an expression of this and I aim to bring as much humour as possible into everyday life. There is so much in life that is angst-ridden, I hope that my paintings will succeed in bringing a smile to people’s faces!
“Whenever I’m out socialising, I find myself scanning the room for interesting characters and inspiration – I’m sure I would make an excellent detective! The fun-loving, larger-than-life women I paint are definitely in control and know how to manipulate their men when they need to, to get what they want! Through the characters in my paintings, I hope to show that you can have fun no matter what you look like or how much you weigh. There is far too much pressure on women to be the perfect shape, with perfect hair, make up and wardrobe. I believe we should make the most of what we have and celebrate our individuality.”
Popularity 5 Out Of 10
>>
Joan Somerville's Work
Similar Artists
|
