If you drive along a narrow road called Wise Lane, in a little hamlet called 'The Green', near East Knoyle in Dorset you will suddenly come across this striking wall mural on the side of one of the houses there.
Hopping out of the car and taking a close look it bears the name of the artist who has created it. A lady called Jennifer Hogwood. (Someone up to this point I have never heard of).
So coming home I did some research to see if I could find any further information out about Jennifer Hogwood.
So here's a bit from Jennifer's website
http://www.jenniferhogwood.com/
Jennifer Hogwood’s bold, distinctive style arises from an unerring sense of colour, a singular talent for observation, and a huge affection for her highland friends ‘The McMoos’. Her endearing images communicate the essence of her subject with humour and charm.
Just down the road from her house (#my note: I think it is her house with the mural painted on it in my photo) Jennifer’s studio is a former milking parlour on a working farm in rural Wiltshire. The setting is perfect with beautiful views and a field full of cows just outside the door. It’s always peaceful and this sense of calm makes it the ideal place for her to work. Seeing the cows grazing in the fields, chickens wandering around the yard and dogs ambling in and out is a constant source of inspiration. Animals have always been a big part of Jennifer’s life and she finds their presence comforting – “they have such individual personalities and a lovely innocence about them.”
Before starting to paint, Jennifer spends time with a pencil sketching freehand, adding more and more detail until she feels the composition is perfect. She then begins to apply the paint in layers, drying it as quickly as possible in order to build up a richness of colour and texture, then adding other elements to bring character to each piece. The collectable editions reflect this, being beautifully hand embellished, with little jewels to add a sparkle to their eyes.
She has created her own unique shade of brown which she uses in every painting; knowing exactly how it will react if she adds a touch of white or dark makes the painting process flow with ease. She begins each painting with the nose and works outwards, adding in the layers of detail until the final stages of white highlighting.
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Life is full of surprises!!!!
Are you off to find the roman mansion that seems to have been found in Wiltshire? It made our news today.