Jen Howe at Once

We are very happy to be hosting the work of painter Jen Howe, as part of the Sheen Art Trail this year, 18 April - 2 May. Jen’s work, a collection of landscapes in oils, are seemingly familiar yet abstract, fitting perfectly into our Gallery of domestic pieces, with their complimentary vibrant colours and rich oil paint textures.

A little bit more about Jen’s work:

Jen's artistic practice is characterized by a diverse body of work unconstrained by subject matter or medium. She navigates the dynamic space between abstraction and realism, creating everything from textured landscapes, predominantly inspired by her travels along the South Coast, to large, vibrant abstract pieces drawn from scenes in the television series Slow Horses. Her abstract work tends to stem from fleeting views—an alleyway, an underground parking lot, or a deep pool of water—each perspective inviting the viewer to immerse themselves in the scene. 

Initially, she perceived her landscapes and abstract paintings as distinct paths; however, she now recognizes a shared thread which unites them. Jen strives to capture a mood or atmosphere, achieved through thoughtful manipulation of colour, texture, and the juxtaposition of matt against gloss. Her goal is to evoke a visceral experience, allowing viewers to see the rain peppering the surface of the sea or to imagine being submerged in the blue light of a swimming pool.

Jen's paintings oscillate between moments of realism and moments of abstraction and the tension which exists between the two. Each piece begins with a loose concept, evolving organically as she experiments with pigment, colour and texture. She enjoys layering transparent hues and revisiting sections to enhance depth and complexity, making the creative process both experimental and engaging.