Jen Larkin graduated
from Leeds University in 1999 with a first class BA (Hons)
degree in Fine Art...
She now lives and paints
in Cornwall, which is one of Britain's most creative corners.
To Jen, it is 'a place which feeds your senses, mind
and soul all at once'. Central to her work is the effect of
changing light on and above the landscape - across Cornwall
and countrywide - inspired by detailed observations made whilst
travelling through on foot.
In the last few years,
Jen has combined her love of walking and painting by travelling
across landscapes near and far. Jen: "I
take my sketch and notebooks with me wherever I go, plus my
camera, and record observations as I walk along. I find it
an engrossing and special experience to try and relive the
observed moment upon my return in the studio. I can work for
weeks on a piece, or sometimes it happens quite naturally,
until I am satisfied that the painting reflects something of
the experience. To my mind, however, I can only make part of
the piece: The viewer, when reminded of his or her own 'moment',
always completes it. I constantly strive to push my work forwards;
to further develop my language in paint; to learn to communicate
as efficaciously as possible".
“After graduating from
Leeds University in 1999 with a first class BA(Hons) in Fine
Art, I continued to develop my practice, furthering my career
with help from the Prince's Youth Business Trust. I began to
study art in an entirely new way, working in galleries and meeting
art lovers directly.
Life brought me to West Cornwall, moving there in 2003 with my husband John,
an RAF survival instructor.
I
continued to work in galleries in the summer months, whilst
travelling and painting in the winter.
I began to paint full time again in 2005, plus travelling much
more and challenging myself with long distance walks across
the British Isles. This vigour has translated into a development
of my work and a confidence in technique that feeds into a
joyous style
". Jen Larkin
