Jan OLLIS

In her textural architectural paintings Jan Ollis aims to capture the atmosphere and the essence of a building to evoke a sense of place. Often the building itself almost completely disappears as the work evolves, leaving just the trace of a door or window and a hint of architectural form. She aims to suggest the presence of past inhabitants and lives, but only occasionally does a figure appear in her work. References range from medieval architecture such as Wells Cathedral or Glastonbury Abbey in Somerset, to functional industrial buildings.

Colour and texture is central to her work. Jan slowly builds layers of gesso, acrylic paints and sometimes silver leaf in her work, allowing each layer to dry before adding another. Layers are often rubbed or scratched away; an excavation in paint. Finally a mono print is added, which too is rubbed or scratched in places to leave the finished work.

Jan studied at University West Of England Fashion & Textile Design 1998-2001.

Paintings