May 2005, Kathleen Bishop

Kathleen Bishop is one of the stars of the John Wright school based at Jimena and has developed a style unique to herself. She started painting using watercolours in England in the 1980's. Her tutors at that time told her she had a technique more suitable for oils but Kathleen preferred the delicate, subtle effects possible with watercolours. An interesting work from this period is a view of Flatford Mill, but from the back. Constable's Hay Wain scene is from the front.

She came to Spain eight years ago specifically to paint and was introduced to John Wright. Her 'Minelli Tower' persuaded John that Kathleen had talent. One year later Kathleen opened her own studio in Jimena. By now her style had developed and is best described as using oils to create watercolour effects with the occasional use of a thicker texture, typical of oils, to create realistic finishes. The style allows her to indulge in her fascination with light and atmospheres yet create realistic landscapes.

Her 'Spirit of Andalucia' is a compilation of various landscapes that perfectly illustrates her appreciation of atmosphere whilst her 'Eucalyptus Trees in Jimena' is an example of her use of 'flat' oils to offset the textured bark of the trees and provide perspective. Sadly Kathleen will soon be leaving Spain to live in Italy. She is looking forward to working with the warm pink atmospheres experienced there as opposed to the clear blue, yellow colours of Andalucia.