Josie Clouting, 'Towards Lion Rock'

My work explores how the landscape transitions from the cultivated to wild, and how moving between these places can reveal geological processes over time. For me, the brush marks and fluidity of the paint is an expression of the physical act of walking, exploring the landscape and its ancient origins and weathering.

My artworks are expressive and intuitive, and respond to the light, atmosphere, and topography of the natural world. I’m drawn to wild and ancient places where I can feel simultaneously insignificant and small, and more connected to nature. I’m always striving to capture how it feels to be in these amazing places; to be part of something bigger than yourself.

Painting and sketching en plein air is a vital part of my practice; I love the challenge of reacting to the changing light and weather, and playing with loose, immediate brush marks. These sketches help me to remember the feeling of a place, which then informs larger scale paintings, drawings or prints made in my studio at home.

Josie graduated with a degree in Fine Art from Norwich University of the Arts in 2012. Her studio is now based in Cholsey, South Oxfordshire, UK. She is also an associate member of Ayres House Studios in Wallingford.

Previous shows include the Royal Watercolour Society Open (winner; Cotswolds Mount Prize) 2023, the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2020, and the Sunday Times Watercolour Competition 2019. She is currently artist in residence at Bankside Hotel in partnership with Degree Art & Contemporary Collective until 15th Dec 2024