As an art student in Leeds, Jo Taylor (b.1969) made the decision to take her life's work back to her childhood passion for horses, from that point they have formed the main subject in her mixed media artworks. As an accomplished horsewoman herself, Jo spends hours each week riding out over her native Lancashire fells, from where she takes the inspiration for her organic palette. After her residency at the Department of Veterinary Science at Liverpool University, Jo was left with an exceptional understanding of equine anatomy. Her paintings are drawn from that first hand experience and observation of the character and physiology of each animal.
Through her fluid and confident mark making, using charcoal, chalks, watercolour and wax, Jo captures the very essence of each of her subjects. Her connection and understanding of the species is undeniable, encapsulating all the elements of their form, shape and behaviour within these remarkable artworks. Jo was shortlisted for the New Light Art Prize in 2015 and 2017.
Artist CV
Education
1989-1991 Leeds Metropolitan University
Artist in Residence, Department of Veterinary Science, The University of Liverpool
Solo Exhibitions
2001 - 2020 Thompsons Gallery, London
2012 The Jockey Club
2012 The Victoria Gallery & Museum, Liverpool
2010 - 2013 Lena Boyle Fine Art, London
2002 - 2012 Camden Gallery, Gloucestershire
2015 - 2020 Rountree Tryon Gallery
2018 The Watts Gallery, Guildford
Selected Group Exhibitions
The Royal Academy, London
Cross Gate Gallery, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
Showcase Gallery, Dubai
Courcoux & Courcoux, Hampshire
Thompsons Gallery, London
The London Art Fair
The National Print Exhibition
Art London
Beaux Arts, Bath
Media
The Observer
The Times
Channel 4 Racing
At The Races
Horse & Hound
Country Life
Racing Post