The Heseltine Gallery presents Joe Armstrong
The Heseltine Gallery at Truro School is proud to present artist Joe Armstrong. The exhibition will be taking place weekends from 5th-30th April, 10am-4pm.
In addition to a display of Joe’s work, there will also be the chance to join in yourself! As Joe presents an immersive paint-along course on April 5th and April 19th, between 10am-1pm. If you would like to join Joe for one of these classes, tickets can be booked for £40, with discount available for students. Contact [email protected] to register.
Joe is an artist renowned for his bold, vibrant paintings inspired by Cornwall’s landscapes. After moving from graphic design, he developed a unique style using his fingers and a palette knife to create dynamic, textured pieces.
We caught up with him to find out more about his life as an artist and his inspirations for the pieces he will be displaying at The Heseltine Gallery:
“I went to Epsom School of Art for 5 years. 2-year foundation and 3-year graphic design diploma. After that I managed to get into BC an advertising agency as a magic marker visualiser. Mocking up storyboards for TV commercials. I became tired of working in central London, so I found myself a more local job in a graphic design agency. Here I developed my skills as a designer. My wife, daughter and I moved to Cornwall in about 1990. I found myself a job in a design agency in Truro, but it became quickly apparent to me that I could set up my own design business, which I did. For many years up until about 2009 I worked as a designer specialising in branding. As time went by, I found it more and more difficult just sitting at a computer all day long. So, I decided to change my life and begin painting. This was a slow process, painting in the streets of Truro on a Saturday and selling my work for silly money on the Square in Falmouth. I managed to get in a few local galleries, which gave me some sales. But after exhibiting in a large art fair in St Ives about 8 years ago, The Art House Gallery, St Ives bought all the work I had on display… which gave me the money and the confidence to set myself up full time. Since then, I have built up a reputation for dynamic and colourful landscapes of local scenes.”
Joe will be offering limited places on his paint-a-long workshop, on Saturday April 5th and Saturday April 19th, between 10am-1pm – something which he is very passionate about delivering. During these sessions all materials will be provided, so you can focus on your creativity and light refreshments throughout to keep you energized. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this is your chance to learn from Joe and elevate your artistic skills in a fun, supportive environment!
“My early inspiration came from Van Gogh, Matisse, Picasso and Hockney. They all had life in their paintings that spoke to me. I’ve developed my own unique style of painting with both a V palette knife and my fingers. Which stops me from getting too detailed. This keeps the work more expressive and slightly abstract. I often deliver art demos and workshops at the many art groups around the county. Students seem to enjoy learning how I create my work. It looks simple, but it’s actually quite difficult to achieve the feeling of spontaneity in my work. It takes a lot of confidence”.
If you would like to join Joe for one of these classes, tickets can be booked for £40, with discount available for students. Contact [email protected] to register.
Joe’s artwork will be adorning the walls of The Heseltine Gallery, with the opportunity for you to meet him and discuss his work and make purchases. Joe is really looking forward to engaging with the community. The exhibition will take place 5th-30th April, Saturday and Sunday only between 10am-4pm. For those visiting the gallery for the first time, it is positioned within the Truro School grounds, with plenty on on-site parking or a short walk from the town centre and public transport links.
“I work from home in my 20ft x 10ft studio… which is ideal. I can work in there most mornings till lunchtime. Then I have the rest of the day to swim in the sea, walk or cycle with my dear wife Annie, play my guitar or ride my old 1958 Triumph motorbike. That’s where I am to date. Constantly trying to improve my style… often experimenting, sometimes failing, other times producing work that in my eyes is evolving. I love painting and it’s a joy when someone falls in love with a painting and is prepared to pay for it”.
Joe’s favourite piece that he will be exhibiting as part of the show is called ‘Reflections’ and is inspired by the lake at Trebah Garden. This canvas is 100cm x 100cm and will be available to view and purchase.
“This is my favourite painting to date. It’s the closet to the style I’m trying to achieve. Lots of colour and texture. Slightly abstract with colours overlapping and running through each other. I’ve entered it into The Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition.”
