Jackie Garner: Wildlife Artist

Posted by: Rachael@Thegmg.Org at 12:30 on 18.08.11

Gloucestershire Media Group: Before we get started, how do you like your tea?

Jackie Garner: Infrequently! These days I’m more of a coffee addict. I suspect there’s a direct link between coffee and my creativity. On the rare occasions I drink tea it is white, no sugar and preferably accompanied by ginger biscuits.

GMG: How long have you been a wildlife artist for?

JG: Professionally for just over two years, semi-professionally for eighteen years before that and a keen amateur for fourteen years before that.

GMG: Where did it all begin?

JG: I grew up in Gloucestershire, right next to Rodborough Common, so there was plenty of opportunity to be influenced by glorious countryside. I’ve always been interested in both art and wildlife so it was a natural progression to link my two favourite subjects. I used to dream about having a fabulous studio in the StroudValleys, and now that dream is reality.

GMG: How are things going?

JG: The present economic climate undoubtedly makes it a tough time to sell paintings as so many people are cutting back on their spending. Fortunately I license my images, illustrate and have a talks and workshops programme, so I’m not solely reliant on painting income. I love the variety of the different types of work and I enjoy the challenge of finding new opportunities. I’m finding that people are bringing opportunities to me now, rather than me seeking them out, which is very encouraging.

GMG: What does the future hold for you?

JG: The immediate future is about enhancing my reputation and getting my work to a wider audience. To that end I exhibited with the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours at the Mall Galleries this year and I’m concentrating on entering group exhibitions rather than solo shows for a while. I’m using social media and my website to build a greater web presence, which has been time consuming to set up but I’m starting to reap the benefits now. I’m moving further in to the sporting art market too – I already paint birds of prey, game birds, and deer, so it’s just a case of changing the emphasis a little to open up a whole new market. Plus I’m planning an “artist’s sketchbook” type book about theArcticwith local author Richard Sale, so there’s plenty to keep me busy.

GMG: What do you like best about what you do?

JG: Being able to put all my efforts in to my wildlife art business. Whilst a day job gave security it was difficult splitting my energy between my own business and someone else’s, however much I liked both jobs. Obviously I love the creative side of the business too; a day spent sketching in the Gloucestershire countryside doesn’t really feel like work.

GMG: Is there anything else we should know about? Anything you’d like to plug?

JG: I’m looking forward to being Artist in Residence at Nature in Art at Twigworth (27 Sept – 2 Oct 10am-5pm), as I really enjoy sharing my work. I hope to have lots of visitors during that week, but anyone who can’t visit can see my work on my website www.jackiegarner.co.uk or find me on Twitter (@garnerart) and Facebook (JackieGarnerWildlifeArtist) instead.