Maker of the month: Jenny Urquhart

This month’s maker is Jenny Urquhart, who is selling her bold Bristol collages exclusively through Bristol24/7, available to buy from our online shop.

Jenny Urquhart’s bright, bold Bristol landscapes are a real ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. “Most of my paintings are inspired by Bristol’s amazing landmarks,” she explains. “Some of my favourites, such as Clifton Suspension Bridge, crop up again and again. I often wander through Bristol taking photos of unusual views and several times I’ve taken aerial photos from a hot air balloon, which was totally awesome! Balloons are such a familiar sight above Bristol, and appear in almost all my Bristol images.”

Bristol Bridges 4x coasters, £10

Jenny’s images are full of detail, but she doesn’t have any formal artistic training. “I spent a lot of my childhood drawing, and started painting full time in 2010,” Jenny explains. “I’m constantly experimenting with new techniques and materials. I just tend to make it up as I go along!”

Jenny’s experiments include using unusual materials, alongside her trademark acrylic paint. “Most paintings involve slapping lots of bright acrylic paint onto canvas, and then applying collage on top,” she says. “I then may paint over that a few more times and then add detail with acrylic ink. I often use photos I’ve taken as collage, or pieces of magazine and newspaper.”

Her ‘This is Bristol’ series really utilises this technique. “Bristolians send me photos of themselves and their favourite places, and I create a personal collage for them, featuring all their favourite landmarks,” Jenny explains. “These are my favourite commissions!” Mayor Marvin Rees, Queen bassist James May and local legend Jeff the Big Issue seller have all seen their Bristol favourites immortalised.

Bristol Harbour 4x coasters, £10

On a larger scale, Jenny has taken part in the Shaun in the City art trail, painting ‘Baalloon’ and ‘Lambmark Larry’. She also presented Sir David Attenborough with one of her paintings after he became Freeman of Bristol.

Jenny grew up in the countryside, but has made Bristol her home, moving to a house near The Downs. “We treat a bit like our back garden, as our own garden is tiny!” she says. “My kids are mad on football and need constant exercise, so we are really lucky to live near one of Bristol’s many beautiful green spaces.” She exhibits her paintings during some of Bristol’s many art trails.

“Unlike larger cities, Bristol seems to have a real creative pride and identity, and local art is visible almost everywhere you go.” Jenny says. “Since starting out, I’ve discovered an amazing network of like-minded creatives, who love what they do and support each other with ideas, advice and inspiration.”

Jenny has chosen for the profits of sales through Bristol24/7 to go to local children’s charity CCS Adoption. “They give life-long support to children who have often had a really tough start to life,” Jenny explains. “The care and commitment by the staff is outstanding.”