Alex Jones is a wildlife artist living locally in Rillington. She studied Fine Art at Newcastle Metropolitan University and went on to work in Graphic Design at British Aerospace. After a number of years and having moved to North Yorkshire she decided to go back to her true passion for drawing and painting animals and now workd predominantly in oils.

Her inspiration is taken mainly from the farm and the countryside where she lives and spends a lot of time walking, sketching and taking photographs.
She paints mainly local wildlife but occasionally other, more exotic animals such as Tigers and Elephants.

A word from Alex, the artist:
Scampston Hall and in particular the gardens and grounds have been an inspirational place for me over the past 11 years. I have visited many times to take in the gardens and to participate in shows and events. It is a magical place full of bird song, stunning views, beautiful flowers, Yorkshires finest mammals, birds and insects as well as beautiful plants and trees. Once I step through the entrance gates time slows down, the way I walk slows as does my breathing and my thinking. I start to take in all that is around me, the sounds, the smells, the detail in everything, something almost magical happens. It is so peaceful it seems to transport me far away from the busy rush of everyday life, it allows me to find the inspiration I need for my work, it certainly is a place that draws me back.

My favourite subjects to paint include Hares, Foxes, Barn Owls and Deer but I also love to paint small mammals, garden birds, waterfowl, farm animals and horses to name a few. I try to capture the intensity in their eyes and detail of their fur or feathers and a sense of their character. I enjoy mark making and creating detail, I usually choose to paint in oils on canvas as I find this medium gives me both fluidity and transparency. It allows me time to work before drying takes place and I like the texture and effects that can be created with it.

I hope you enjoy looking at my paintings, thank you for reading about my work and I hope you enjoy your visit to Scampston Hall.