Books, Faith & Random Acts of Kindness: An Interview With Lizzie Jayne
An interview with the artist on her greatest influences from the bible to cats and the beauty of our world.
Based in the UK, Lizzie Jayne is an artist who discovered art by accident, drawing on diverse imagery to create paintings that are delightful and enthralling. In this conversation, she reflects on paintings by Valerie Ganz and discusses how she uses kindness to inspire others.
Image courtesy of Lizzie Jayne.SAH: What made you venture from writing books to visual arts?
LJ: I have always loved books, art, music, dance, drama and all things creative and I did art at school over 30 years ago.
After a series of events and an unusual dream, (another tale for another time!) I wrote my first children’s book in lockdown and this was published in October 2021. I hired an illustrator for my first book “The Gift” and my second book, which will be available later this year.
In April (2022), I received a box of watercolours for my birthday and simply put I decided to have a go just as an extra past-time.
Within days I fell in love with painting and haven’t stopped since. So I sort of fell into art by accident rather than ventured!
I continue to write my books and paint every day. I have many ideas for lots of children’s books moving forward, and I am excited that I will be illustrating my own pictures for my next writing project.
It’s been a very exciting journey so far and I feel very blessed to have discovered these creative gifts later on in life.
Lizzie Jayne. Mouse Watching. Watercolour on paper.
Lizzie Jayne. Daisy. Watercolour on paper.SAH: Can you use 3 words to describe your work?
LJ: From the heart
SAH: What are you working on at the moment?
LJ: As I have only started painting recently, I am exploring all sorts of things to paint.
I’m testing the water to see what I can achieve and what areas I need to work on. Hands, I struggle with hands!
But I’m finding I’m quite good at painting faces, children, portraits, animals and pet portraits. I’m currently working on scenic art. Cottages, landscapes etc. This is teaching me patience and helping me to really focus on detail and shading.
As time passes, I’ve decided to set a subject weekly/monthly and slowly work on that.
Flowers, still art, will be something I would like to try next. I work on technique and different styles daily until I find what works well.
Acrylics will be my next stop.
SAH: How do you go about transforming an idea into a physical piece?
LJ: My paintings are hidden away in my heart and imagination and I know instinctively what I want to create each time I paint.
I start each painting with a rough pencil sketch, sometimes using ink sketching and then build the painting with colour.
Planning the equipment/brushes I wish to use and using only the colour paints that are needed for a particular piece I have found is important. It helps me have clarity and control keeps my work area tidy.
I usually paint very early in the morning when it’s quiet and still…. Before the house wakes up and I can no longer concentrate!!
SAH: Who are your biggest influences? Is there a particular artist that inspired you to pursue art?
LJ: I wasn’t inspired by any other artist to paint, although I have admired many artists and art over the years and often thought “wow I’d love to be able to do that.” Just being able to paint something was the inspiration behind me starting.
However, there is a Christian (worship) Artist named Vanessa Horabuena who I discovered on social media recently.
I too love to paint to share my Christian faith and her work really inspires me. It’s wonderful.
Lizzie Jayne. He holds us with care in his hands. Watercolour on paper.
Lizzie Jayne. Finished Works. Watercolour and oil canvas.SAH: What kind of impact do you hope that your work has?
LJ: As with all the things I do, my writing, my charity work and now my art, I use these gifts to encourage kindness, and to inspire people. Although I paint all sorts of things, I love to paint to share my love for Jesus and to let others know they are loved, and special.
I have several paintings that depict stories from the bible, prophetic art and Jesus himself. I find myself waking up to paint something that holds a deep message, and I hope my art will encourage and lift another person.
I also use my art to bless others.
If someone is having a difficult time, I use my art as a “random act of kindness” and gift that person a piece that I know is personal and meaningful to them. Our creative gifts are a blessing and should be used to help others in anyway we can.
I know many enjoy seeing my work so far. I hope it is lifting others.
SAH: Where do you get your inspiration from?
LJ: I love prophetic art and depicting encouraging messages in my art. I’m inspired by that. I love the bible.
I love cats - big and small! I love autumn, winter scenes and nature. My inspiration is looking and seeing how beautiful the world is we live in. I find myself stepping out and wanting to paint everything I see.
I think back to childhood memories and this inspires me to want to create paintings from days gone by. I can drive by a place and have to stop to photograph so I can paint at another time. I’m inspired by other artists and love to see what other people create.
Lizzie Jayne. The Final Show. Watercolour and oil canvas.SAH: If you could purchase any single work of art ever made, what would it be?
LJ: Valerie Ganz. A welsh artist who is known for her paintings of coal miners. I grew up in a miner’s village in the 80’s and I just love her work. I’m reminded of happy times, and I’m drawn to this era. I also love L S Lowry. I’d love to own any of his artwork.
SAH: Where can people purchase your work?
LJ: I have created an art page on Facebook “Art by Lizzie Jayne” and I can be contacted via this app or direct via my email.
My work can be viewed on Pinterest or people can contact me via Smart Artist Hub.
An “Art by Lizzie Jayne Website” will be available soon. Here you can view and purchase my art and children’s books.
SAH: What are you watching, listening to or following that you would recommend?
LJ: I follow lots of books and art pages and sites. This helps me keep up to date with latest news on galleries and places where I can connect with lots of other artists.