Pat Tinsley kicks off this year’s series of Jackson’s Art Blog Reviews of the Year.
Pat Tinsley, a retired primary school teacher, is enjoying a new career as a visual artist, working in mixed media, acrylic, watercolour and oils, to create energetic, vibrant and expressive figurative paintings. She finds inspiration in a multitude of subject matter, from flowers to seascapes to the figure. Pat lives and works in Norfolk and finds inspiration for her work all around her. “Lammas is perfect. Riverside views, beautiful churches, wonderful buildings and gardens, wildlife and our local Highland Cattle. Countryside walks and relaxing moments on the broads provide much sketchbook material and inspiration” she says of her home. Jackson’s Art Blog asked her for her Review of the Year.
Towards the Pinewoods Holkham by Pat Tinsley, Acrylic on Canvas, 100×75 cm, 2013
Lisa: What has been your favourite exhibition of 2013?
Pat: I was extremely lucky to visit St Petersburg in June and fulfilled a dream of mine to visit ‘The Hermitage‘. What an amazing opportunity and even in the short time I visited I saw a totally overwhelming selection of masterpieces to inspire everyone. It was gorgeous.
I later visited the Houghton Hall Exhibition and was able to view pieces which are now kept at The Hermitage but were having a welcome return to Norfolk for a short period.
We are so lucky in Norwich to have a wonderful selection of galleries and my all time favourite was to see ‘The Deck of Cards‘ which was on show at Gallery 18/21 in Tombland and where also a contemporary version, completed this year was also exhibited. Fantastic works of art for all to enjoy for free!
Autumn Glow on the River Ant II by Pat Tinsley, Watercolour on Paper, 50x40cm, 2013
Lisa: What highlights have you experienced in your own art studio in 2013?
Pat: I was very happy to have an open studio and was delighted to have a very successful event with excellent feedback and sales and I am currently exhibiting at Riverside Art and Glass, a new and beautiful gallery in Wroxham near Norwich.
Lisa: What valuable lesson did you learn about making art in 2013?
Pat: I have finally begun to listen to the advice I used to give my students which is to have confidence in your own ability, but also be prepared to listen and learn from others… I am learning so much but now it is the process of incorporating new skills and techniques which is enabling me to develop my own style further.
I use Golden and Liquitex Acrylics and Mediums and have also been working with Winsor and Newton Artisan Oils and Watercolours. I am very interested in using mixed media and have experimented with different grounds in my work.
I sometimes worry that I have too many irons in the fire but boy am I having fun!
Moonlight on Tresco by Pat Tinsley, Mixed Media on Board, 46x46cm, 2013
Lisa: What art related new year’s resolutions will you make this new year’s eve?
Pat: There are some Jacksons Printing Inks ready in my studio and my resolution on New Years Eve will be to use them. I always did printmaking at school and have two beautiful presses ready for some action.
Lisa: What art materials are on your Christmas wishlist?
Pat: I think some of my Christmas wish list is in the pipeline as my daughter is keen on printing and asked for the Jackson’s website. More inks and soft cut would be lovely! If Santa is really kind I would love some new watercolour brushes and oil bars. I can dream!
To see more of Pat Tinsley’s work please visit her website http://www.pattinsley.com
Pat Tinsley in her studio
Hi Lisa – thanks for introducing me to Pat’s work. I was brought up in this area of the UK but moved away years ago, but the Norfolk countryside still has a place in my heart. There’s something about the big wide flat skies of Norfolk that just beg to be painted — and it’s where I began my love of poppies … so of course the first painting has me captivated…. thanks, Jay
Great to know you enjoyed my work. Thank you!
Hi Jay
Thanks for your comment and I am so pleased you were inspired by Pat’s work. I totally agree – those huge skies are so inspiring, I used to paint them a lot too when I worked in that part of the country. I love the first painting too, so atmospheric. All the best and keep warm, I bet Norfolk is freezing right now!
Lisa