Jan was born and grew up in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. Following school Jan wanted to pursue a career in nursing. After qualifying she worked as a ward sister and a district nurse. After a couple of years she returned to student life and completed a degree in Human Biology at Loughborough University where she met her husband.

While raising children Jan started to paint at local leisure classes. She developed her interest by completing City and Guilds courses in life drawing, mixed media and watercolour. She gained the prestigious Gold Medal for her work in watercolour.

The thrill of seeing a red dot in her first art society showing brought home the reality that this could be a career. Since then Jan has exhibited at many local art societies where she regularly picks up awards. She has also had a number of local ‘one man’ shows which have been very successful.

 Her studio is based at her home in Hertfordshire. Jan is inspired by local landscapes many of which she sees on her daily walks with her dog. With sketchbook in hand she makes brief drawing and notes which are developed in her studio. Over the last few years Jan has travelled extensively but her pictures are usually inspired by the rugged landscape of the UK and in particular Scotland.

Jan’s paintings are a mixture of pure watercolour technique and explorations in the use of texture making, mark making and design. Her paintings are more an expression of mood, sense of place and character where areas of quiet are balanced with abstract textures.  In moving away from conventional watercolour methods Jan is experimenting with watercolour and acrylic inks by adding, lifting paint and working on different surfaces.