Welcome to our Artist of the Month feature, where we shine a spotlight on talented artists who captivate us with their unique perspectives and exceptional creativity. This month, we are delighted to introduce Jean Noble RI SWA (Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours, Society of Women Artists), a renowned artist whose work celebrates the ever-changing beauty of River Thames
Biography
Jean Noble's artistic journey began at Loughborough College of Art, where she honed her skills and passion for painting. She furthered her education at Kingston University, delving deeper into the world of art. Throughout her career, she has continually refined her craft, attending summer courses at esteemed institutions like Central St Martins and the Slade School of Art.
Over the last three decades, Jean has wandered the banks of the River Thames from Chelsea to Canary Wharf, capturing the essence of the city in her unique artistic style. The Thames and its surroundings have been her muse, providing endless inspiration for her creative expressions.
Evolution of Artistic Style
Jean's artistic style is best described as abstract, a visual representation of what she sees in front of her but distilled and simplified through her unique lens. She sketches on-site in an abstract manner, focusing on specific elements and leaving out unnecessary details. By doing so, she avoids falling into formulaic patterns and allows herself the freedom to experiment with different tones, colours, and lines.
Throughout her career, Jean's style has evolved organically. She draws influence from several artistic mentors, with Nicolas De Stael being a significant guiding force. His masterful use of colour and layering of pigment have seeped into Jean's work, as has his sense of balance within the composition. The abstract artist Richard Diebenkorn, particularly his New Mexico period, also left a profound impact on her. Diebenkorn's skilful play with colour and shape resonates in Jean's paintings, as does his mastery of edges and layering.
Inspirations and Creative Process
At the heart of Jean Noble's work lies a fascination with light and colour. Every painting reflects her experience of a particular moment in time, capturing the mood of a sunny day or the subtlety of an overcast one. The constantly changing play of light along the River Thames provides a rich tapestry of inspiration for her to explore.
Her creative process begins with sketching on-site. Instead of aiming for a realistic depiction, Jean combines various elements from her observations, creating multiple sketches that act as a foundation for her paintings. These sketches form the basis for her studio work, where she scales up the drawings onto specially prepared paper using charcoal.
Jean's palette consists of a selection of colours, usually up to nine at most, including yellows, blues, reds, black, white, and her favourite, Raw Umber. She often works with a palette knife, brushes, and fingers, allowing her to manipulate the paint and explore different colour relationships.
The Finished Masterpieces
Jean's dedication to her craft is evident in the time she devotes to each painting. Some pieces come to life quickly and are completed in a day, while others might take weeks to reach a point where she feels they are truly finished. She allows each painting to speak to her, knowing that a work is complete only when it resonates with her artistic vision.
Reflections on Framing
Having produced her artwork within frames, Jean has found that it standardised her work and enhances its presentation in galleries. She works with a skilled framer who uses a float mount to showcase the paintings beautifully without overpowering them. The white deep box frames provide a classic touch to her art.
Jean Noble's paintings are a celebration of reality seen through an abstract lens. Each brushstroke tells a story, inviting viewers to delve into the beauty and mystery of her beloved river and its surroundings.
Jean Noble's artistic journey has been one of exploration, growth, and a deep connection to the River Thames. Her abstract style and expert use of colour and composition continue to captivate collectors. We are honoured to feature Jean as our August Artist of the Month, and we encourage everyone to experience the beauty and emotion captured in her paintings.