Janice Ferguson (Watling) born in 1955 in Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne. Growing up in a largely industrial area of Newcastle her early inspiration came from pictures in books and perhaps more significantly, from the yearly trips she made with her family to Eyemouth, where she began to share in her father's passion and enthusiasm for wildlife and the natural environment.
At thirteen, Jan attended Kings College Art School at Newcastle University, where
she was invited to attend classes to refine and develop her skills.
In 1985 Jan moved with her husband and two children to Argyll. Moving to this rural
area was a dream come true and provided her with a never-
Collectors and galleries throughout the United Kingdom seek her work with an increasing overseas clientele. Jan also undertakes commissions of both pets and wildlife.
Highlights to date include:
- Exhibiting at the Olympia London, one of twenty finalists in an international wildlife competition organised by the Born Free Foundation.
- Exhibiting at the annual The National Exhibition of Wildlife Artists (NEWA) and subsequently being selected as a finalist in the British Wildlife Awards 2014.
- Producing commissioned works, which now feature on a selection of Bladnoch Whisky merchandise.
- Facilitating the development of art enthusiasts through voluntary participation with local art groups, schools and community groups.
- Chairperson of the Cowal Red Squirrel Group and has recently won the Shining Light Award from the RSST (Red Squirrel Survival Trust) for her voluntary work.
- Jan was honoured to join the GSWA in September 2014.
- In 2017 Jan became an Artist Member of the Paisley Art Institute