This month I’ve been continuing my fascination with wetlands and reservoirs, both of which seem to be recurring preoccupations…and before you say it, I know the picture above is neither! It is from a recent walk early in the morning, before the heat of the day. I’ve realised that I’m very protective about places that mean a lot to me; I hate to see them badly treated, people dropping litter etc…and to be very honest, I prefer them when they are deserted, and peaceful. For those who don’t know me in person, that would make you think I’m anti-social, but I love people, love interacting, understanding, talking, everything really, and find people endlessly fascinating-It’s just that for work and for me, I look for contemplative spaces, room to think and to breathe.

There is something about water in the landscape, that I find intensely fascinating, calming and intriguing too. I like the sense of quiet it often brings…

In my work, I’m looking to develop and explore a sort of less is more philosophy, and at the same time, trying to counter balance this idea with complexity in mark making and surface texture. I want all this to be subtle and done in a way that the viewer needs to put some work in; needs to want to find out more; to look closely. I suspect that this may be a very long term project!!!!

So what have I been working on? Well to begin with, a couple of new cradled panels, following on from my wetlands series…studio process shots 👇

Both panels are made by building up layer upon layer in a mix of opaque and glazed acrylics. To make the glazes, I’m using Golden Open Glazing Fluid, which creates beautiful delicate glazes without losing the structure and adherence of the paint…it also gives you a little more working time, as it slows down drying. This has been extremely useful in the recent hot sticky weather, when acrylics become a bit of a nightmare!

As I build up layers, I also like to inscribe into the paint surface with a range of tools…this is almost like etching, in that subsequent layers of paint are collected in the tiny indentations, creating fine lines….It’s worth saying, that although I do use this technique on canvas too, it is much better on the rigid surface of a quality cradled panel, and one that has a couple of extra layers of gesso too. I think the images below might help explain this? On the left you can see a range of mark making and directional lines, some of which have already been glazed over so the colour sits in the mark. On the right you can see the process of making very fine linear marks through the paint layer, using an old fashioned dipping pen.

In the image above, you can see around about the third layer; paint applied vigorously, and paying attention to making directional brushstrokes, with a large paddle brush; I use Liquitex Freestyle brushes; I really love the way they hold a huge paint-load.

The two completed paintings are both on cradled panels, which does mean they stand up very well to the hard wear that comes with the kind of process,(mine are by Jackson’s online: https://www.jacksonsart.com) I’ve been describing. Both are 46cm square.

I’ve also been working into a large, 4ft x 3ft canvas in oils…this is another one that's been on the go for a long while, but I can pick up work on it now, with the studio doors wide open and the good weather. More on this hopefully next time, but I’m not quite ready yet.

And finally for this month, I’ve been working on a 61cm canvas in my ongoing reservoir series….studio development shots 👇

It is always so hard to know when to stop, but I think I’m finished with this one????

*Work is available to buy direct from me, just send me an email or use the contact form.

I also have current collections available from:

*Bils and Rye Gallery in Harrogate, in person and online: https://contemporarysculpture.gallery/artist/jo-york

*Northern Lights Gallery in Keswick, in person and online: https://northernlightsgallery.co.uk/jo-york-bio

I think that’s all from me this month. I hope you’ve enjoyed my newsletter, and do let me know if you have any feedback or queries. All the paintings shown are currently available, just use the contact form for more information.

Until next time, stay safe and take care,

Jo xx

All text and images copyright ©️Jo York 2021