* LISA GRAA JENSEN RI (DANISH b. 1953), TOPLESS

gouache on paper, signed mounted, framed and under glass image size 37cm x 55cm, overall size 62cm x 79cm Note: Lisa Graa Jensen was born in Copenhagen. She attended the Sir John Cass School of Art in Whitechapel (London) and then trained at Camberwell School of Art from 1975-78 gaining a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design. After art college Lisa spent time as an Illustrator with B.L. Kearley Limited working for Hamlyn, MacMillan, Marshall Cavendish and the BBC as well as Puffin Books and Camden Graphics. She then took up a roll as an Art Therapist before becoming a freelance Painter and Illustrator of books and cards in 1983. In 1997 Lisa Graa Jensen was the winner of The RI Kingsmead Award. She also received the Royal Academy of Art, Christmas Design Award (1984, 1985, and 1986) and was runner up Artist of the Year Award 2008. In 1996 she was elected a Member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours. She is also a member of ASGFA (The Society of Graphic Fine Art). Talking about her art work Lisa says: 'I am a painter and illustrator of vibrant colourful figurative landscapes i.e.: undulating countryside, markets, pubs, cafes, French farming scenes and coastal/beach scenes usually featuring dogs and cats and often farm animals such as sheep, donkeys, cows, hens etc..'. Her work is typically colourful and lively and demonstrates a strong sense of observation. Method of Working- Lisa uses light, fast watercolour and acrylic inks which have good reproduction qualities and designer gouache. She paints on very heavy watercolour paper that doesn’t need stretching. She uses brushes, a sharpened end of paintbrush to scratch out detail, fingers, splatter bristle brush, and salt for colour dispersal. Working on one piece at a time, Lisa works from memory, sketches and photos. The initial idea is very loosely mapped out so that the painting can feel spontaneous, and not like painting by numbers. Lisa's work is exhibited widely including at many annual major public exhibitions and at private galleries around the UK.