Jo Shepherd
Born in Hertfordshire, Jo graduated from Kingston where she studied Fine Art painting in the late 80's. She now lives in Surrey and works from her garden studio. Jo is an experienced tutor having taught life drawing and painting for over 10 years. Her work has been exhibited at the Royal Academy Summer Show and the Columbia Threadneedle prize at the Mall Galleries with a solo portrait exhibition celebrating people with profound disabilities being featured on the BBC news. Her bird portraits are held in private collections around the world. Jo was also commissioned to paint Ravens for the popular TV drama 'Peaky Blinders'.
Describe your approach to teaching
My approach to teaching is to provide just enough structure to pass on some useful tools and knowledge but also to allow and encourage individual expression and development.
What inspires your own work?
My work takes inspiration from living things. Portraiture has always been a passion for me whether it be portraits of people or beautiful birds but I have also created large bodies of work inspired by the very alive woodlands around my home in Haslemere.
