I live in Derbyshire, on the edge of the beautiful Peak District. However, I have strong family roots and connections to Cornwall and the Channel Islands, and the sea is in my blood.
Since graduation in Art & Art History from seaside university Aberstwyth in 1998, I have exhibited all over the UK and won several awards, including Derbyshire Artist of the Year in 2008 and most recently, highly commended in The Artist 2019 and festival choice in the 2019 Buxton Spa prize. I’m currently represented by several galleries, including The Harbour Gallery in Cornwall and Jarva Gallery in the Peak District. You can also view and purchase original paintings, prints, calendars and cards from my own online gallery.
I love to write, and am a regular contributor to The Artist Magazine, having just finished a 12 month series on painting in acrylics. I also produce videos for YouTube which support my magazine articles. More teaching videos are in the pipeline!
I began tutoring and demonstrating ten years ago, and have found it to be the most satisfying aspect of full time artistry. I am now a registered tutor at Truro Art School and Bullclough Art School in Derbyshire. I will be tutoring art holidays in 2020 in Bournemouth and the Pyrenees – and as well as visiting art groups all over the country, I run my own workshops in Derbyshire several times a year. Teaching has become an absolute passion – my main aim is for students to be encouraged, informed and creatively enthused. See below for testimonials.
Testimonials
Dr Sally Bulgin, Editor & Publisher of The Artist & Leisure Painter magazines
Jenny Aitken is an excellent workshop tutor. She loves to share her expert knowledge about all aspects of painting to inspire her students to realise their potential. Jenny is a highly skilled professional artist and tutor with an engaging personality and is passionate about helping artists develop their skills, from beginner to more experienced artists alike.
Michelle Stringer, President of Sarnia Arts and Crafts Club
I attended the two day workshop and was impressed with Jenny’s enthusiasm and the individual attention she gave to each person. She shared her skills at colour mixing and achieving light and depth in a painting in a way that everyone could understand and follow. When chatting one-to-one, she was very encouraging and careful to allow each person’s individual styles to come through.
For me personally, Jenny’s enthusiasm, encouragement and obvious love for painting gave me inspiration and a renewed passion for painting.
Liz Richardson, Hon. Sec. Alderney Art Club
Here at Alderney Art Club, Jenny Aitken has been giving us tutoring for the last 6 years. She works with us over 3 to 4 days and each time we are encouraged to try new ideas. She has a very infectious and enthusiastic manner which draws the best from us. As a small group we very much appreciate the time and effort she puts into helping us.
Lucy Siagos and students at Truro Arts School
A cracking workshop yesterday where students learnt to capture light in seascapes with acrylics – with some rather impressive results and lots of positive feedback!
‘Really inspiring and encouraging – I feel more equipped and confident’
‘This was a really exciting day and I enjoyed every minute’
‘I really enjoyed learning from Jenny….She helped us so much, so many tips, real value for money, and she is so enthusiastic!’
Julie Nixon, Secretary for the Chesterfield Art Club
I have known Jenny for quite a time and she has visited the Club many times to give her wonderful demonstrations and also workshops. Jenny has a very bubbly and friendly character and gives the members a constant account of what she is doing with plenty of good instruction, advice and inspiration. She is good fun also and the members always look forward to her visits. Jenny’s own unique style of painting is much admired as she capture light and tone beautifully. She certainly inspires me to do better!