I love to draw
I reconnected with my drawing practice in 2016 and now I use drawing to capture my life and the world around me in my art journals.
I know how much keeping an art journal benefits me, and I’m passionate about helping anyone who wants to, to do the same.
I work with children, young people, adults, schools, businesses, groups and communities of all levels of experience to:
Help build confidence in drawing
Enjoy drawing
Use drawing to reflect on and capture their lives and the world about them
Learn new drawing skills and techniques
Support wellbeing
Develop their creativity
To develop a creative habit and have fun!
What is Art Journaling?
Check out some of my Art Journal pages
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Read what my participants say
“I have absolutely loved Jo’s course. Starting out as someone who didn’t think they could draw particularly, it has given me so much confidence, offering ways in to drawing and ways of seeing and interpreting what is around us. Brilliant!”
“One of the best courses I have attended, Jo is a very accomplished and inspiring tutor. With plenty of examples to look at, helpful videos and clear demonstrations of creative drawing techniques I quickly became very involved with the project. All the drawing sessions were accompanied with a beautiful and varied selection of music which provided an extremely relaxing environment. As a result I felt my drawing improved and I was able to produce some imaginative, successful and in some instances, surprising work! I am definitely doing this course again!”
“I’m a complete beginner but Jo’s positive and enthusiastic manner made me feel it was all about my development so it didn’t matter there were people with more experience in the class”
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Join me and Creative Arts Safaris to explore and capture the beauty of northern Vietnam in your travel journal. With my daily prompts and inspiration, you'll create a richly layered and meaningful art journal along the way.
Our journey combines daily journaling and sketching with the rich experiences of northern Vietnam.
We'll immerse ourselves in the charm of Hanoi's Old Quarter.
Visit a traditional paper making village
Stay amidst stunning rice fields.
Discover the breathtaking karst landscapes of Tam Coc's waterways.
Enjoy an unforgettable night on a boat in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay.
Design and commission a custom hand-carved wooden stamp.
Explore the unique craft villages surrounding
Hanoi.
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About me
As well as keeping my art journal, a love of the natural world inspires me to make carefully observed drawings of the often-missed moments in time, for example when a leaf opens from a bud, or when the light on a flower reveals its complex (or simple) structure.
(www.jobealdrawingfromnature.co.uk website coming soon)
From these studies I also make expressive large-scale drawings and textile designs.
I teach and lead projects inspired by and related to my practice. I exhibit work and undertake Artists Residencies.
I studied at Chelsea School of Art and Design.
Find out more about my work to date from my Artist CV here.
I have worked as a freelance Arts Manager for over 20 years, working in community arts, latterly producing large scale outdoor arts festivals and walking festivals.
I still co-produce festival events and activity from time to time.