Oriel Môn is delighted to launch a brand new exhibition on Saturday 18 June, by Flintshire based artist Jenny Holland.
Jenny was born in Ealing, West London in 1944. She recalls that her passion for painting started when she purchased art materials when she was 15 with her first pay cheque from a school holiday job - from then on she was hooked! In those early days she was greatly influenced by Cezanne and Van Gough which is evident from her bold and impressionistic style. Jenny’s first sale was at the age of 17 and she believes this gave her great motivation.
Jenny moved to Wirral with her husband and two small children in 1972 when she won a painting competition sponsored by the Wirral County Council. Jenny states that she was greatly inspired by a letter written by Van Gogh to Emile Bernard, in which he said “Enjoy with your eyes”. This is a powerful sentiment that Jenny has followed throughout her career, taking her sketch book with her everywhere she goes and observing closely the wonders and colours of our changing landscapes.
Years later Jenny started a gallery, picture framing, fine art and Giglee printing company. During this time she became well established as a watercolourist, doing house commissions as well as teaching various art groups and demonstrating at the NEC.
Some 20 year ago Jenny moved to North Wales, first to Brynford, then to Ruthin and now she is based in Sychdyn, Flintshire. With the rapid decline of her husband Jenny closed the business and became a carer. Now on her own, she has returned to her first love – painting impasto oils with knives.
Whilst out and about on her many travels, Jenny first fell in love with Aberdaron on the Llyn in the early 70’s and now frequently returns. It is the coastline which is the greatest attraction to her and particularly old harbours and fishing communities. Anglesey is another location which Jenny favours; it only takes her 50 minutes to get there, and she will set off at the crack of dawn in order to escape the traffic and people. She recalls that every time there was a relaxation of the Covid restrictions, she was off with her easel and sketch book for a day of new discoveries.
Oriel Môn is always her favourite pit stop when in Anglesey, she states “There is always so much to see with several changing exhibitions – and the late Kyffin Williams, as another palette knife painter, has always inspired me. I have endeavoured to capture the iconic beauties of Anglesey and North Wales and I am recording what is sadly, so often changing scenery – I want to capture a moment in time”
Jenny has had numerous solo exhibitions and joint annual exhibitions in Cheshire, Wirral and North Wales. Nicola Gibson, Visitor Experience Manager, Oriel Môn states “Jenny’s paintings of Gwynedd and Anglesey capture the beauty and serenity of our wonderful landscape, this is truly an uplifting exhibition which will make all our visitors wish that they lived here”.
Jenny’s exhibition runs until 31 July and there will be a warm welcome to all. Oriel Môn is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm and admission is free.
END 6 June 2022