Few have achieved this more spectacularly than local artist Josie Barraclough. Her vibrant artworks, a new selection of which are appearing at The Bingley Gallery, include landscapes and studies of flora and fauna.
Josie’s paintings combine, texture, colour, shape and form, whilst her past experience in textile design are evident in her creative use of mixed media. Her work, which tell one story at a distance, also reward close observation of their detailed components. With an imaginative eye for colour and composition the contemporary artworks are lively, happy and widely appreciated.
Josie began producing artwork from a very early age, then as pupil – and later artist in residence- at Heckmondwike Grammar School. She went on to study at Batley College of Art and Bretton Hall.
Following graduation, the artist initially pursued a full-time career in illustration and graphic design, whilst continuing to develop her own artwork. During this period, she committed herself to travel working in Australia and the Far East, where she was rewarded by invitations to exhibit at various independent galleries. Inspired by experiences while travelling, as well as natural elements, her work developed an expressive style in a variety of media, predominantly oil on canvas, powerful both in subject matter and colour.
Josie decided to use her talent to help young people develop their passion for art by entering the teaching profession. She joined Bradford Grammar School, where she inspired students for almost 20 years as head of art before retiring to concentrate on her own work. She recalls being enthused by the work of David Hockney during visits to his studio with her students.
Gallery owner David Starley says: “I’ve met many people for whom an unsympathetic art teacher stifled any creativity they once had. By contrast, past students of Josie often visit the gallery and share their positive student experiences, not infrequently adding that they have gone on to study, qualify and work in the arts sphere. Josie was clearly one of those teachers with the ability to inspire her students”.
Nowadays, when not sketching or working on location, Josie spends most of her time in her Liversedge studio. She explains “My work has grown out of my passion for the natural environment, its shape, form and its vibrant complexity of colours”. Her love of travel also features, whether it be more exotic overseas locations or the often visited, East Yorkshire coast.
In this City of Culture Year, The Bingley Gallery has been keen to showcase homegrown talent, and Josie was an obvious candidate. Their offer of a solo exhibition, initiated, in her, a phase of remarkably productive painting generating a myriad of exciting pieces of which nearly 30 will be shown. These will hopefully not only provide an impressive show, but will also help inspire aspiring artists to pick up a brush.
Josie Barraclough’s Life’s Vibrant Canvas exhibition runs from Thursday September 11 until Sunday October 12. The Bingley Gallery, 29B Park Rd, Bingley BD16 4BQ; for further information davidstarleyartist.com/bingley.
Gallery hours : Thursday to Sunday 10am to 5pm.
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