Ivan Maxwell Jones
Artwork for Ivan Maxwell Jones
Details
How would you describe the work you do and why?
I paint landscapes, both real and imagined and abstract (non-representational or semi abstract) works that express my love of colour, texture, shape and composition through experimentation and exploration. Each informs the other and my experimental approach to painting aims to find the sweet-spot between chaos and control, where mistakes become discoveries and a painting emerges through creative play.
For you what does being an artist mean?:
My passion for painting and my love of nature are intimately connected. I love to get out into the landscape in all weathers and soak up the sights, sounds and atmosphere of the natural world. I am particularly inspired by the light, colours, and textures of the Malvern Hills. Each painting is an individual voyage of discovery for me and I try to see my surroundings in fresh way, to evoke a sense of character in the landscape and express the wonder I experience in the everyday. My abstract works take me on an inner journey, exploring landscapes of the imagination until I discover something satisfying and unexpected.
Describe what you call yourself/your practice?:
I am a painter, working in acrylics, oils and mixed media.
Your practice & activities include e.g workshops, teaching:
I sometimes work en plein air, but mostly I am working from my garden studio. I have taught art for the past 18 years, first in secondary school, and now to adults and as a private tutor. I run popular, regular painting classes in West Malvern and Storridge.
CV & Education, relevant & leading to your artistic practice:
I come from a family of painters, but a love of theatre film and television led me at 19 to do a drama degree, leading to a career as a television editor working mainly for BBC natural history unit.
I returned to my first love of art and painting as a mature student, studying in Bristol School of Art at the West of England Royal Academy before my teacher training. I am a member of the Cheltenham Group of artists (founded 1920) and a member of Take 4 Gallery in Ledbury
Exhibitions in the last 3 years:
Regular exhibitions at Take 4 Gallery Ledbury,
Aetheria Gallery Malvern,
Abby Gallery in Tewkesbury
Your gallery outlets/stockists:
Take 4 Gallery Ledbury
Aetheria Gallery Malvern, 3 Edith Walk, Malvern WR14 4Q