Joy Kirton-Smith
	I spent my early years in the Black Country near Stourbridge, where I was born. My family later moved to the Worcestershire countryside, where I attended the local village school in Old Fleet on the banks of the river Severn. During this time my father and two elder brothers ran a family business in painting and decorating. This was a big influence to me as they were always adventurous in trying out new materials and innovative styles. Their influence in my informative years was significant in my subsequent attraction to art, with particular regard to the development of flux and backgrounds that are unique to my style of painting. My formal introduction to art came many years later. Once again I returned to a classroom setting. On this occasion I attended Halesowen College where I obtained an A-Level in fine art. After completing my A-level I continued attending the college as a member of their workshop group. During this time I became fascinated with the drawing techniques that could bring vibrancy and movement onto canvas and paper. The masters of the Italian Renaissance, particularly Michelangelo, remain my main inspiration. I have also studied in great detail the original drawing techniques of Rembrandt and the Flemish school in the Rjyksmuseum, Amsterdam. I have had many successful exhibitions throughout the UK and Europe and was recently a finalist in the Fine Art Trade Guild’s ‘Best Artist’ category. My work has been published as fine quality limited editions of which over 40 have been produced – most of which sell-out upon publication.