Artist statement
Concepts
Creation is a constant inspiration: plants, insects, landscapes and gardens. I work in watercolour and acrylic which I use together or separately, combining traditional watercolour techniques with semi-abstract backgrounds. I enjoy the traditional skills of watercolour while at the same time challenging myself to push its boundaries.
Influences
Elizabeth Blackadder has been especially influential as my tutor at Edinburgh College of Art for 3 years.
Turner and the Impressionists for their use of colour and light. Durer for his plant studies and portraits. Picasso for his ability to summarise what he observed.
Career path
Edinburgh College of Art 1982-1986: BA (Hons) Drawing and Painting
Professional painter since 1986, exhibiting regularly around the UK. I have taken part in over 100 group exhibitions, including Royal Scottish Academy, Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour, Royal Watercolour Society London, and had many solo exhibitions.
Current and forthcoming events
- August 2013: New Works, Thompson's Gallery, Aldeburgh (more info)
Solo exhibitions
- 2012 Jenny Matthews and Janet Melrose, Union Gallery, Edinburgh (more info)
- 2010 New Work, Frames Contemporary Gallery, Perth
- 2010 New Work, Union Gallery, Broughton Street, Edinburgh
- 2008 Flowers in Full Colour, Colours Gallery, Dundas Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh (more info)
- 2006 New Work, Colours Gallery, Dundas Street, Edinburgh
- 2005 New Work, Colours Gallery, Dundas Street, Edinburgh
Group exhibitions
- 2013 Jenny Matthews and James Harrigan, Thompson's Aldeburgh, Aldeburgh, Suffolk
- 2012 Jenny Matthews and Janet Melrose, Union Gallery, Broughton Street, Edinburgh
- 2012 Visual Arts Scotland, Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh
- 2012 Annual Competition, Royal Watercolour Society, London
- 2011 Christmas Exhibition, Thompson's Aldeburgh, Aldeburgh, Suffolk
- 2011 Plight of the Bumblebee, Union Gallery, Broughton Street, Edinburgh
- 2011 Plight of the Bumblebee, Union Gallery, Edinburgh (more info)
- 2011 Mixed Show (6 paintings), John Davies Gallery, Cotswolds
- 2011 Annual Watercolour Competition (2 paintings accepted), Royal Watercolour Society, Bankside Gallery, London
- 2010 Wildlife Exhibition, SOC, Aberlady, East Lothian
- 2010 New Work (2 person with Helen Tabor), Thompson's Aldeburgh, Aldeburgh
- 2009 Flowers, Chelsea Flower Show (Thompson's Gallery), London
- 2009 21st Century Watercolour Competition, Royal Watercolour Society, Bankside gallery, London
- 2009 Scottish Show, Thompson's Marylebone, London (more info)
- 2008 Postcards for Sick Kids, Lyon and Turnbull, Edinburgh (more info)
- 2008 Really Wild Flowers (2 person), Waterston House, Scottish Ornithologists' Club, Aberlady (more info)
- 2008 New Paintings, Thompsons Aldeburgh, Aldeburgh (more info)
- 2008 21st Century Watercolour Competition, RWS Bankside Gallery, London (more info)
- 2007 Flowers, Perth Contemporary Gallery, Perth (more info)
- 2006 Contemporary Scottish Art, The Chambers Gallery, London (more info)
- 2006 RSW, RSA, Princes Street, Edinburgh
- 2006 Scottish Exhibition, Wykeham Gallery, Stockbridge, Hampshire
- 2006 3 Person Show, Thompson's Gallery, Aldeburgh, Suffolk
- 2004 Spring Exhibition, Inspires Gallery, Oxford
- 2004 Summer Exhibition, Thompson's, Aldeburgh
- 2004 Summer Exhibition, Tolquhon Gallery, Tarves, Aberdeenshire
- 2004 Spring Exhibition, Frames Gallery, Perth
- 2003 Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour, McManus Galleries, Dundee
- 2003 Affordable Art Fair, Battersea Park, London
- 2003 The Opening Exhibition, Henshelwood Gallery, Newcastle
- 2002 Christmas Exhibition, Thompson's Gallery, London
- 2002 Christmas Exhibition, Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh
Competitions, prizes and awards
- 2007 Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Purchase Prize, Royal Watercolour Society, Bankside Gallery, London
Publications
- 2012 Artists and Illustrators Magazine
Web links - article/press
Personal website
