about Jan

Janice Ferguson (Watling) born in 1955 in Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne. The eldest of two children, Jan grew up surrounded by an extended family. As a child, Jan frequently suffered from periods of ill health, unable to venture outside and play Jan was encouraged to draw, showing a natural ability from an early age.

Growing up in a largely industrial area of Newcastle, Jan's early inspiration came from pictures in books and perhaps more significantly, from the yearly trip she made with her family to Eyemouth, where Jan began to share in her father's passion and enthusiasm for wildlife and the natural environment.

At thirteen, Jan's art teacher recognised her potential and sent a sample of her work to Kings College Art School at Newcastle University, where she was subsequently invited to attend weekly classes to refine and develop her skills. Jan completed a six-month course at the University. Whilst this experience enabled Jan to recognise her abilities, she was unable to see a career in Art and decided in her late teens to follow a different path.

After a short spell as an office junior, Jan found her vocation as a state enrolled nurse. Jan later married and moved away from Newcastle, first to Portsmouth and later to Rosyth, where she continued nursing but never stopped drawing.

In 1985 Jan moved with her husband and two children to Argyll. Moving to this rural area was a dream come true and provided Jan with a never-ending source of inspiration. Jan took a break from nursing to spend more time with her young family. Feeling inspired, Jan began drawing and experimenting with various painting styles and media, initially for her own pleasure, but it was not long before the first offers were made by friends to purchase Jan's work.

Seeing Jan's talent continue to develop, her husband encouraged Jan to establish her own business, enabling her to develop a career which she loves and also spend time with her family. Jan agreed to give the idea a try and over the years her client base steadily increased as she continued to refine her skills.

Now Jan has an international clientele, her paintings can be found around the world. A lifetime of dedicated study of all types of animals is now evident in her superbly detailed watercolour paintings. Supreme control of the media allows Jan to express the vast range of colour and texture in her chosen subjects, whilst at the same time, capturing their personality, beauty and character.

Jan's work is continually evolving as she continues to refine her skills and study the wildlife that surrounds her.

Highlights to date include:

1. Exhibiting at the Olympia London, one of twenty finalists in an international wildlife competition
   organised by the Born Free Foundation.

2. Exhibiting at the annual The National Exhibition of Wildlife Art (NEWA).

3. Producing commissioned works, which now feature on a selection of Bladnoch Whisky
   merchandise.

4. Producing commissioned works, which have over the last five years been selected to appear in the Glimpses of Galloway calendar.

5. Facilitating the development of art enthusiasts through voluntary participation with local art
   groups, schools and community groups.

Collectors and galleries throughout the United Kingdom seek Jan's work with an increasing overseas clientele.

Jan also undertakes commissions for cattle society presentations.