Art / News
Bristol artist turns her paintings into playing cards
There cannot be many other artists who have painted the Clifton Suspension Bridge as many times as Jenny Urquhart, whose artworks hang in hundreds of homes around Bristol and further afield.
So when it came to choosing 52 paintings from her back catalogue for a set of playing cards, it was a given that the bridge would feature strongly.
Brunel’s famous span and the Avon Gorge over which it crosses are among images of Clifton houses, Park Street, Brandon Hill, Gloucester Road, the SS Great Britain and more in the playing cards, the first run of which she sold during the recent West Bristol Arts Trail.
is needed now More than ever
Jenny spent two days sifting through her artworks from the last 12 years in order to choose which paintings would make the final cut; with two bonus works for the two jokers.
“I am so chuffed with them, I absolutely love them,” Jenny said on a recent morning when she was just about to receive the cards’ second reprint.
“People seem to love them! I had no idea how many people actually play cards.”
Jenny Urquhart was a science teacher before becoming an artist – photo: Martin Booth
Jenny, 45, who lives in Henleaze, says that she likes to paint areas of her adopted city that have greenery.
“I paint whatever mood I’m in. I get up in the morning and I paint from my kitchen table or on the kitchen floor if it’s a big picture.
“If I’m in a jolly mood, I might just do cutting and sticking like a pre-schooler, or if I’m feeling more like a grown-up I might do a more figurative, darker picture.”
‘Bristol Belle’ by Jenny Urquhart
‘True Hope is Swift’ by Jenny Urquhart
The choice of images on the playing cards range from some of Jenny’s first works to some of her most recent paintings.
“It’s not just the bridge! There are a few other secret views that you might be able to recognise…
“Bristol is just the best city in the world. I never thought I’d be able to fall in love with a city, but from the first day I visited when my sister was at uni here, I fell in love with Bristol.”
Jenny Urquhart’s 54 playing cards each featuring a different Bristol painting by Jenny – photo: Jenny Urquhart
Jenny Urquhart’s Bristol playing cards cost £12.99 and are available to buy now from her online shop: www.jennyurquhart.co.uk/product-category/gifts
Follow Jenny on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with her latest works
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read next:
- My Bristol favourites: Jenny Urquhart
- Video: Jenny Urquhart on painting Bristol
- Maker of the month: Jenny Urquhart
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