Jo Sheppard

Jo Sheppard graduated from a Degree in Fine Art at Coventry University in 1991. Working briefly for an examinations board, Jo later qualified as a teacher of art and design, and found her new vocation very rewarding. A temporary relocation to Newcastle was followed by her settling in Quorn in early 2003, shortly before the birth of her second child.

Neither an abstract or traditional landscape artist, Jo’s work is perhaps best described as 'non-figurative', focusing on mood and ambience rather than literal subject matters. Initially interested in photography, it was during her degree course that she discovered a true passion for oil painting. She endeavours to work daily, but as a mother of two young children, is forced to adopt a more relaxed approach.

Like many other artists, Jo is often inspired by her travels, finding herself repeatedly drawn to architectural features, texture and light. The majority of pieces are oil on canvas, but she also works with charcoal, pastel and watercolours, particularly when working at a smaller scale. Jo has also maintained an interest in printmaking; and photography has remained an important medium throughout, both creatively and as a means of collecting visual reference material.

Jo likes to produce larger work when painting with oils simply because she finds the experience creatively gratifying. She also experiments with collage and combines techniques in an attempt to achieve the desired effect, particularly exploiting the use of colour washes juxtaposed with areas of thicker impasto. Many works incorporate other materials, including sand, wax and fabric.

Jo is available for commissions and has a number of paintings for sale, some of which can be viewed on her website www.josheppard.co.uk [external website], and all of which can be viewed through private appointment. Please feel free to contact Jo either through the website or directly at