Jan started painting when she was four, shocking her parents by copying a nude in an encyclopedia! She has always loved painting figures and wildlife. Jan studied Graphic Design at Newcastle College of Art and worked in a design studio. Although Jan was principally a teacher she has always exhibited her work in the UK, France and Spain, and has completed many portrait commissions. 

Jan lived in Spain for fourteen years on retiring, which made her work brighter and bolder as the light and colour are so vivid there; she even lived on a boat for a time, hence her love of painting the sea. Now back in the North-East she continues to explore ways of painting in watercolours, oils and acrylics. Her inspiration is the beauty and movement she sees in the natural world, including dance ( ballet and flamenco.) Jan aims to make her work joyful and uplifting. 

 www.jancalderwoodfineart.com