Jill Keeley ASGFA

Biography

I am a Hampshire based artist, working predominantly in fineliner pens. I am inspired by the landscapes I encounter in every day life. A local walk, a trip to the coast or a day in the city all provide pockets of interest if you look up from your phone for long enough.

For as long as I can remember, I have always enjoyed drawing and in the years prior to lockdown, I was a member of two local art societies and exhibited in their shows. I also teamed up with a group of local artists to organise some exhibitions at Denbies Wine Estate. In 2020, I had my daughter and as a Solo Mum with a young child and a full time job, art inevitably took a back seat for a few years. I continued to draw occasionally but stopped taking part in art societies and exhibitions. When my daughter was 2, I took a holiday with three other Mums. Over the course of a week we failed spectacularly to take a single photo with all 4 children in. On coming home I decided to put this right and draw one. I popped a little notebook in my bag to work through the composition on my train commute, a moment that marked a turning point in my practice. I now carry a pocket sketchbook with me at all times and draw whenever I am on the train, sitting in a soft play centre or just have a moment of quiet in a busy life. Building a sketchbook practice has in turn led to more larger pieces and has helped me find a way to return to my true passion as an artist.