Jill Jeffrey

Jill Jeffrey was born in Derbyshire, on the edge of the Peak District, and spent much of her childhood outdoors observing and documenting her surroundings.

Jill’s interest in art was fuelled by inspirational teachers throughout her school years and this ultimately led to Jill attaining a Degree in Fine Art.

… Jill began teaching Theatre Design and Art as she now had a young family to support – this also gave her the freedom to paint again. Holidays with the children were always chaotic with easels, canvases, sketchbooks, boots, tents, dogs, an overloaded car or borrowed boat – but which always resulted in paintings, and sales!

Having always used a rather subdued, tonal palette in her paintings, Jill took a course with eminent water colourist, John Blockley, whom she had long admired. He introduced her to the idea of intensifying a subject using colour, and he also encouraged her to use mixed media – combining watercolour, pastel, and acrylic paint for greater effect on the same piece of work.

Jill has since continued to sketch and paint almost every day, and her paintings are now held in private collections throughout the UK, USA, Canada, Switzerland, Italy and New Zealand.

The landscape of the west of the British Isles is Jill’s greatest influence – in particular Pembrokeshire, Wester Ross and the Hebrides which she visits as often as she can, sketchbook in hand, to take in the drama, movement, majesty, and awe of these outstanding areas of rugged beauty. The excitement of crashing waves, the sad beauty of a sunset across hills, reflections and shadows cast by scudding clouds never fail to inspire her.