Artist Biography

Jill is a Scottish-born contemporary artist based in Berkshire, England. Originally from a small town on the east coast of Scotland, she moved south over a decade ago to pursue a career in Accident and Emergency nursing, dedicating 23 years to healthcare before transitioning into full-time artistic practice.

Her journey into art began during the COVID-19 pandemic while seven months pregnant with her second child. What started as a personal creative outlet quickly evolved into a committed professional pursuit. Almost entirely self-taught, Jill developed her practice alongside a demanding career in nursing and raising her young family.

In February 2023, she made the decisive move to leave healthcare and focus fully on her art. Since then, her work has gained increasing recognition for its emotive quality, expressive use of colour, and focus on portraiture and storytelling.

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Career Highlights

• 2020 – Began painting during the pandemic while on maternity leave

• 2020–2022 – Developed as a self-taught artist alongside her nursing career

• 2023 – Left a 23-year healthcare career to pursue art full-time

• 2023 – Delivered keynote speech at the West Berkshire Learners Achievement Awards

• December 2023 – Solo exhibition at ACE Space

• December 2023 - Featured on BBC 1's 'Make it at Market' mentored by Sharon Walters

• 2022–Present – Regular participant in West Berkshire & North Hampshire Open Studios

• 2024–Present – Working with BRYIM delivering creative projects in schools

• 2025 (Autumn) – Solo exhibition at Arlington Arts

• March 2026 – Completed painting masterclass with Torsten Wolber, influencing a shift towards a more expressive and intuitive practice

• 2026 (Spring) – Featured on BBC One’s 'Made It at Market'

• 2026–Present – Deputy Chair of Open Studios; appointed Chair from August 2026

• 2021–Present – Completed over 250 private commissions across the UK and internationally, including France, Canada, Italy, Ireland, and the United States

 

Artistic Practice

Jill works primarily in oils, focusing on portraiture, figurative work, and expressive landscapes. Her practice is rooted in storytelling and emotional connection, often inspired by personal experience, global travel, and the people she encounters.

Following advanced study in 2026 with Torsten Wolber, her work has evolved towards a more expressive, intuitive style, embracing freedom in mark-making and a deeper, more instinctive approach to painting.

 

Community & Engagement

Jill plays an active role in the regional arts community. She currently serves as Deputy Chair of Open Studios and will assume the role of Chair in late 2026, continuing to support and advocate for artists across the region.

Alongside this, she regularly delivers workshops from her studio and local venues, and works with schools through BRYIM to support creative development in young people.

She is also quietly developing a larger-scale community art initiative aimed at creating an inclusive and inspiring space for creativity and connection.

 

Exhibitions & Work

Jill has exhibited across Berkshire and the surrounding regions, including two solo exhibitions, and continues to expand her reach through exhibitions, commissions, and collaborations both in the UK and internationally.

For current exhibitions, events, and new work, please visit the News page or follow on social media.

 

Contact

Jill welcomes enquiries regarding commissions, workshops, exhibitions, and collaborations.