- 3rd March 2019
For those of us who haven’t heard of you before could you tell us a little bit about Jen Winnett Art and how you got into watercolour painting?
I’m a 24 year old, self-taught watercolour Eco artist based in the heart of the beautiful Cotswold countryside. I started painting in 2017 to support my journey towards recovery from anorexia. Painting allowed me to rediscover a world full of life and colour, reconnecting me to myself through animals and nature. I started sharing my designs and soon learnt that they brought others happiness too! So I decided to take the leap of faith, quit my full time office job and set up Jen Winnett Art.
"My mission is to bring life and colour into homes."
Your artwork involves a lot of animals painted in a very distinctive style, where do you get your inspiration from?
I get my inspiration from where I’ve come from, been and where I’m going! Each piece has a name and a story behind it which you can often find in the description on my Website.
For example ‘Alive’ - This design was actually my first creation in therapy and was made to represent growth and bringing colour and joy back into my life. The one original I will never part with! It hangs proudly on my bedroom wall.
‘Phil’ the Pheasant was inspired from a little visitor we used to have to the garden every morning last year, named ‘Phil’ by my step-dad.
Lastly another piece ‘Kevin’ the Koala was inspired by my up and coming trip to Australia!
How long does it take to complete one painting?
This can really vary ! Some pieces require a lot more detail and layers than others. But the majority take between 3 and 7 hours.
Where can we buy your products?
You can buy my products from my website here: www.jenwinnnettart.co.uk
I’d love to give my friend a present of her dog painted by you, do you do commissions?
I’m afraid I only take on a few pet commissions each year. However I always take suggestions for new animals.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
I would love to see myself in independent shops all over the country! I’m a big believer in supporting small businesses. I would love to spread the joy my work brings far and wide!
Why is it important to you to shop ethically?
I'm incredibly passionate about protecting this amazing planet and the people that live on it. Nowadays it’s actually incredibly easy to produce beautiful products in a sustainable way. It doesn't cost much more and I believe we all need to do our bit to contribute to reduce our environmental impact. My passion for nature and the environment reaches across my entire business. I always use the most sustainable and environmentally friendly materials and options where possible to create my product range. For example, my Eco-cards are produced in the UK by a carbon – neutral company. They are printed using vegetable oil based inks on to high quality textured card originating from responsibly managed forests and are 100% recyclable. Even the outside sleeves are 100% biodegradable plastic made of corn starch! My Eco-Bags are produced from 100% Organic and Fair-trade cotton.
