An Interview with Margaret Jones

We are sitting in the most delightful pub, light and airy, with great selection of ales, smiley chatty staff and comfy seats. It still has the original oak beams and a large open fire, but the smell of tobacco has long since faded. We are both drinking a beer in a traditional dimpled pint glass, Margaret is drinking a Hawkshead Gold and I'm enjoying my Fursty Ferret by Badger.

Cheers Margaret, how's life now you're retired, are you painting more?
Retirement means doing what I want, when I want. I've worked hard since I was 17years old, so the pressure is now off! It's an easy start to the day with a bowl of cereal, fruit, nuts and yogurt it sets me up for the day ahead. I may start painting in the afternoon, sometimes evenings, sometimes not at all! I'm a doing sort of person, so I'm never without something to do, like organise an exhibition!! I don't always have time in my day to paint.

Are you now a serious painter, or are you still having fun?
I don't take my art too seriously. I have pushed a paintbrush all my life, as a Lettering Artist, so I find painting a natural thing for me. I am not too worried about the result, and consider myself a bit of a lightweight, never concentrating on a particular style.​​

​Have you ever painted over a painting because you didn't like it? I couldn't do that, I think I'd keep every little scrap I produce.
I always paint over old work, because I’m really a ‘meanie’.

How did you start, did you have an influencer or did you just decide you wanted a go?
I have been influenced by my dear friend and mentor, Alexander O’Sullivan, calligrapher and letter carver, who I was privileged to work with for some years in Gloucestershire. Sadly Alex is no longer with us, though his influence, humour and expertise remain, Standing on the shoulders of giants.

I would love to travel through the Italian landscape for a month painting the hills, trees and old houses. Have you thought about packing up you paint brushes and spend a month in another country painting?
I love it here, I have no real desire to travel anywhere else to paint. Anywhere in Cumbria is a dream to paint, though not being a true landscape painter, I will be found painting an old hen house, or a tumbling down barn

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​What piece of advice would you give to a beginner?
Don’t take your work too seriously. Don’t think you have to collect a wide range of materials before you start painting. Just use what you have, and get going!

Did you catch Elizabeth Acland, Haydn Morris, & Maria Burton's interview. Click on the name to read.