X Ray - Vision - X Ray

Paintings from imagination are the mainstay of Jelly’s repertoire. They are usually painted in a realist manner and are laced with personal symbolism. Sometimes this is overtly stated, or is otherwise secreted in lush undergrowth, waiting to be discovered by the viewer. They have a sense of place with atmosphere playing an important part, especially in the imaginative work. History and what has gone before are evoked by architectural fragments, which at times almost appear to litter the rich vegetation. In turn this seems to close around ancient pathways to the sea or the landscape beyond. Recent work comprises landscapes painted in oils and mixed media, and includes work from life and imagination. Works from life are usually small studies carried out in the landscape, recording place, atmosphere and the physical lay of the land. Whilst being paintings in their own right, they are mainly for inspiration and information-gathering, in preparation for more ambitious imaginative pieces. The need to work swiftly in a plein air situation often helps develop new methods and an understanding of the land that feeds the imagination. Many of these paintings begin with a thumbnail sketch, which is then transferred onto the full-size canvas or board. Inevitably changes take place during this process, and whilst some works progress to completion with hardly any changes, others will retain only a few features from the original idea. Originally from South Yorkshire, Jelly has lived and worked in Devon since 1982. He has exhibited widely and has work in collections at home and abroad. On the original founding committee of the Southwest Academy of Fine and Applied Arts he was elected academician in 2000, has served as a trustee and was elected Honorary Academician in 2011.