Jan Peters

In conversation with Humph Hack - Curator

Jan was brought up in the Caribbean. I wondered if she felt that had influenced her art.

She told me, “The vibrant colours of flowers and sky; the encompassing warmth inspire me to create a comfortable yet otherworldly dream-like feeling in my art”

Although Jan had loved art at school, when she left education she pursued a scientific career, keeping her creative interests alive by painting in oils as a hobby.

“I joyfully returned full-time to art when I left my scientific career.”

Your technique often involves  painting on the reverse of acrylic sheets. How did this come about?

“Years ago, when I was redesigning my kitchen, I painted cream lilies on a window overlooking the blue sea”. Jan was so impressed with the richness of colour, she began painting on clear Perspex to achieve similar vibrancy.

She was even happier to discover that viewed from the reverse – the smooth side, paintings looked even better. Jan reminded me that, “The same technique of reverse painting, was used by many of the Russian icon painters”.

It became Jan’s signature style. It creates unusual depths and Jan has devised attractive ways to frame and hang these artworks.

“I only contacted galleries after encouragement from friends”.

Acrylic glass painting is refreshingly different, enhancing room spaces by reflecting light. Acrylic has a slightly better optical clarity than glass, changing subtly under different light conditions  - keeping the viewers interest.

Also, “Reverse painting brings an element of serendipity, as I am not always in total control of the outcomes. This magic allows freedom and expression in the paintings, giving them a life of their own”.

The acrylic is UV treated. It can be hung in sunny spaces, in kitchens and bathrooms.

Jan points out that, “More importantly the works have a seamless, clean presentation that fit happily into modern interiors”.

 The other impact of living in the Caribbean shines through Jan’s use of Flowers as inspiration. Her experience Ocean Diving inspire in a different way.

“Much of my work captures the feel of strange worlds like the silent undersea world”.

Jan also produces originals in acrylic on canvas. Often these paintings are based on aspects of her glass paintings - or experiments with different styles like cubism or surrealism.

Her postgraduate study of Mathematics has clearly influenced her work.

“There is a fascinating relationship between mathematics, music and art” she tells me. Art and beauty are subconsciously influenced by our sense of proportion, symmetry and perspective, which have a basis in mathematics”.

The proportion of ‘the Golden Rectangle’, based on the ratio of “phi”, can be found in many flowers, shells and other natural forms and has been the basis of much architectural design. Use of this proportion produces beauty, balance and harmony.

Jan has sold over 300 works.

“Despite a seven year break due to ill health, I have recently resumed my art career with representation at a local gallery, participation in an Art Fair and online sales. I also completed a large commission for a prestigious healthcare company’s reception area.

She has taken part in exhibitions in Chelsea, Chester, Manchester, Macclesfield and Warrington and twice at the prestigious Mall Galleries, London . “My most recent selection for a public exhibition was the Liverpool Art show in the Liver Building. I am also a finalist in the  SAA’s  Artist of he Year.”

Jan is hoping that being chosen as a featured artist will increase the exposure of her work. She has recently launched on Instagram @ janpetersart. Opening her working studio for viewings will also raise her profile.

Like many of our artists, she is happy to receive questions from customers via the 'Contact Jan Peters' button on her gallery page.

August 2024

Featured works

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