In the vibrant world of contemporary art, few artists resonate with the struggles and triumphs of their journey quite like Jessie Makinson. An artist whose work reflects a deep exploration of figurative painting, Jessie shares her experiences from her formative years in London to her current artistic practice. This blog post delves into her artistic evolution, revealing the lessons learned along the way and the influences that shape her unique style.

A Foundation in Art

Jessie Makinson’s artistic journey began in Camberwell, London, where she pursued her foundation at Camberwell Art College. Her experience there was enriched by the diversity of students from around the globe, igniting her passion for art. Despite her enthusiasm, Jessie’s time at Edinburgh College of Art was challenging. She recalls feeling discouraged from pursuing figurative painting, a style she deeply loved, as the school’s ethos leaned away from traditional forms. This feeling of embarrassment around figurative art was a significant hurdle she had to overcome.

Supportive Learning Environments

After Edinburgh, Jessie’s quest for artistic growth led her to the Royal Drawing School in London. Here, she found a nurturing environment that emphasized observational drawing. Jessie fondly remembers the daily practice of drawing from life, even from subjects she initially found unappealing. This rigorous training helped her refine her artistic vision and develop her unique voice. She describes this period as crucial, stating that it helped her see artistic possibilities in everyday scenes, shaping her perspective as an artist.

The Impact of Turps Banana

Unable to get into a Master’s program, Jessie discovered Terps Banana, an alternative art school founded by Marcus Harvey. This institution was significant in her artistic development, allowing her to experiment freely without the constraints of traditional academic requirements. At Terps, Jessie learned that creating art could be a process of trial and error, emphasizing that making “bad” work was essential to eventual success. This approach allowed her to explore her creativity without fear, leading to the emergence of her distinctive style.

Finding Her Voice

For a long time, Jessie felt lost in her artistic practice, particularly in the realm of figurative painting. The rise of social media platforms like Instagram played a crucial role in connecting her with other artists and communities. One pivotal experience was drawing at the National Gallery with fellow artist Anne Bouker. The energy of this experience and the opportunity to study masterpieces allowed Jessie to develop her understanding of art history, which profoundly influenced her work.

Evolving Artistic Themes

As Jessie’s work evolved, she found herself drawn to themes of folklore, fantasy, and science fiction. However, she recently felt the need to simplify her work, moving away from what she described as the “fairy party” aesthetic. This shift allowed her to focus more on the tension within her figures and the significance of clothing and patterns, leading to a more honest representation of her artistic intentions.

The Creative Process

Jessie’s creative process is meticulous and involves considerable planning and exploration of her subjects. She often begins with quick sketches based on research and historical contexts, melding them into her unique compositions. Unlike traditional painters who build their work gradually, Jessie prefers to finish small sections before moving on, ensuring she has a clear vision of how the painting will look.

The Role of Color and Title

Color plays a pivotal role in Jessie’s work, where she often uses uncomfortable and high-contrast colors to evoke emotions. Recently, she has experimented with different underpainting techniques, transitioning to a clear primed linen that allows her colors to blend more subtly. Additionally, her approach to titling her paintings has changed, opting for more descriptive names that reflect the subject matter directly, such as “The Architects” and “The Players.” This shift signifies her move towards a more straightforward narrative in her art.

Jessie Makinson’s Artistic Journey

Jessie Makinson’s journey as an artist is a testament to resilience and growth. From overcoming the challenges of figurative painting in her education to embracing her unique style, Jessie emphasizes the importance of exploration, community, and self-acceptance in the artistic process. Her story inspires aspiring artists to find their voice, embrace imperfections, and remain open to the evolving nature of their work.