Jean Haines Watercolour Artist

Jean Haines is a watercolour artist known for her loose, expressive style who regularly exhibits her paintings and hosts watercolour workshops for artists from all over the world. She has won many awards for her work. To celebrate the launch of her new line of watercolour brushes Jean answers a few questions for us!

How would you describe your artistic practice, how you approach art over-all?

Jean Haines: I work in a loose interpretative style, capturing the essence of a subject with stunning colour combinations. I studied Chinese brushwork whilst living in Asia so the freedom of working without the use of a preliminary sketch enables me to bring life into my results that would be restricted otherwise by pencil lines. I fall in love with a subject initially, then with a few simple brushtrokes tell the story in a way that is pleasing. And I am a watercolour addict!

Since we are now stocking your new Rosemary and Co brushes I thought I’d ask you about paint brushes. I assume that like most artists you have favourite paintbrushes. What do you love about them?

Jean Haines: Having fallen in love with Asian brushwork I wanted a brush range that was suitable for my style which embodies a mix between Western and Eastern painting styles. I designed my own brush range so that my watercolour brushes not only load well but also release beautifully as they are moving over the paper surface. My brush designs have a beautiful point that can be used while holding the brush at an upright angle or when lain at an angle so that the body of the sable can be used to create directional brushstrokes, curved or straight and in many different ways, which leads to exciting brushmarks that are vital to interesting work. My Shanghainese mentor taught me that one brush can do the job of many if held correctly. My small collection of four brushes enables me to paint every subject on any size paper including giant watercolours for my gallery collections or smaller paintings with the size 10 and rigger.

What drives you to make work, your inspiration?

Jean Haines: I am surrounded by inspiration. I love nature, wildlife, gardening, animals, flowers. I don’t have enough hours in the day to paint everything that turns me on as an artist! I wake eager to paint and leave my studio each day eager for tomorrow to arrive so that I can paint again. I will admit that having fantastic products makes my creative time a sheer joy and since I designed my own personal range of brushes I enjoy painting even more. I wasn’t happy with what was already on the market. So now I have exactly what I want in a brush range, to paint as I want to!

What is coming up next for you, any projects or exhibitions?

Jean Haines: I have some wonderful projects lined up – my life as an artist is very exciting. I will be on tour in Australia this autumn, teaching watercolour workshops in Adelaide, Sydney, Tasmania and Brisbane. My new book “Jean Haines World of Watercolour” will be launched next year and is full of wonderful demonstrations and tips on working in this magical medium. This will be followed by a tour in the USA in New York, West Virginia, St Louis and California. My international tours are booked until early 2017. And I have a fabulous exhibition opening at the Wey Gallery in Godalming, Surrey, UK. Full details of all of my workshops and exhibitions can be found on my web site www.jeanhaines.com

Jean Haines Watercolour Brushes

We now stock the new Jean Haines watercolour brushes at Jackson’s.
These four brushes are Kolinsky sable pointed round brushes in Size 10 and 12, a Kolinsky sable rigger brush and a squirrel mop brush.

Jean Haines tell us about her new watercolour brushes from Rosemary and Co.

“Having lived in Asia and studied Chinese Brushwork my search for brushes that suited my style perfectly was a difficult one. I needed brushes that would not only load well but glide over the paper surface and release colour as and when I wanted. Brush control is a highly important part of my technique and from years of studying I was aiming to create the best. I know that watercolour literally sings when pigment is applied to paper with the right equipment. For this reason, I have designed my personal brush collection for a wide variety of brushstrokes that give me brilliant effects. I can hold each brush at any angle, with my hands at any position on the handle with perfect control. Weight is important in that each brush has to be comfortable to hold making my creative time sheer pleasure. Each brush is made to the highest standards. I have worked with the most expensive of brushes in the world and know the difference good quality products make to my art. It is wonderful to receive glowing feedback from artists who have let me know the difference from moving to my brushes has made to their art.

My brush set of the Size 10 and Rigger is all some artists will need. The Size 10 is great for working on all subjects whilst the rigger is fantastic for not only adding detail but picking up small amounts of pigment to strengthen individual sections of a painting. The Size 12 is beautiful with a really full belly that loads amazingly well but it also has an excellent point, making this the perfect brush for all manner of watercolour work, I would be lost without it! My large Wash Brush is a firm favourite. It is soft and glides superbly but is also fun to use as it curves well and as I paint I can make it literally dance across the paper.

Am I excited about my Jean Haines Personal Brush range? Yes, I am. It took me a long time to come up with a collection that gives me everything I want from my brushes and more. And I hope you enjoy using them as much as I do!”

Jean Haines books and DVDs

You might also be interested in Jean Haines’ popular books and DVDs, which have received the highest customer reviews.

DVD: Amazing Ways with Watercolour

DVD: Jean Haines’ Watercolour Passion

Book: Colour and Light in Watercolour

Book: Jean Haines Atmospheric Watercolours

The image at the top is a watercolour painting by Jean Haines of Venice.

Click on the underlined link to go to the current offer on Jean Haines’ books, DVDs and brushes on the Jackson’s Art Supplies website.
Postage on orders shipped standard to mainland UK addresses is free for orders of £39 or more.