Jennifer Annesley

The essence of my work lies in expressing a vivid sense of place, time and atmosphere. A love of the natural world, a fascination with the effects of unusual light and the seductive balance of elegance and power, and a passion for the art and architecture of past centuries have been major influences on my subject matter and aesthetic.

I am intensely drawn to transient moments of light that transform spaces into the extraordinary. The confident use of light and shadow is crucial to creating drama, mood, texture, space and time. It may take hours or even days for the sun to turn a landscape or architectural setting into something remarkable, and often it doesn't happen at all. It is these rare moments of light and ambience I strive to capture.

Contrast is a powerful tool, and the reason images come to life; light is only present with dark, cool with warm, masculine with feminine. The contrast of colours, values, textures, colours and themes create vibrancy and tension.

Seeking out inspiring landscape and architecture through travel is a large part of my creative process. I make a conscious effort to experience new places, without overlooking the every day things in my immediate environment.

A background in fine arts provides me with a foundation in drawing, draftsmanship, and painting theory. While studying, I also developed a love of art history and ancient architecture, as well as a great admiration for the old Masters. With my aesthetic rooted in historic art and architecture, I endeavor to develop a modern technique and style in watercolour through experimentation, practice and pushing the medium to its limits.

The Jousting Hall - 2003
charcoal & gouache, 30 in x 20 in