About me

Artist, educator and lifelong lover of colour and nature

Jo Sharpe an artist & teacher

Contemporary artist

I am a contemporary artist inspired by colour, pattern, texture and the natural world. Working predominantly in oils, alongside mixed media and botanical prints, I draw inspiration from my native Norfolk, the British coast and the Surrey countryside where I now live and work.

I studied Printed Textile Design at Bretton Hall College, University of Leeds, after completing my Foundation at the Norfolk Institute of Art and Design. I went on to sell fashion prints internationally and gained further experience with French interiors company Nobilis, before completing a PGCE at Goldsmiths College, London.

My textile design background continues to influence my use of colour, surface pattern and composition, with wild flowers, hedgerows and the changing landscape recurring throughout my work.

Today, I work from my studio in the beautiful surroundings of Oaks Park, Surrey, creating original paintings and prints that are exhibited in selected galleries and exhibitions across the UK.

When I’m not painting, I’m often out walking the Surrey countryside with Tilly, my much-loved dog and constant companion. She’s also a familiar face around the studio, particularly during the summer months.

Community Artist

I am passionate about the power of art to bring people together, encourage creativity and make a positive difference within our communities. I believe art should be accessible to everyone and can provide a wonderful way to communicate ideas, share experiences and create a stronger sense of connection and belonging.

Over the years, I have worked with schools, libraries, community groups and local organisations, delivering creative workshops and collaborative projects in all kinds of settings – from classrooms and libraries to parks and public spaces. My projects have explored themes including nature, wellbeing, diversity, grief, local identity and social change, giving people the opportunity to express themselves creatively and contribute to something shared.

Community art can transform more than a physical space. It can start conversations, build confidence and support wellbeing, while bringing colour, creativity and life into the places where we live.

 

Art Teacher

I believe passionately in the creative, educational and wellbeing benefits of art for people of all ages and abilities. I founded Budding Artists to share that enthusiasm, creating and delivering inspiring art classes and workshops for children and adults across Surrey.

My adult classes and workshops are often held in my studio at Oaks Park, while my children’s sessions include after-school art clubs and creative workshops. I encourage students to experiment with different media, techniques and subjects, build confidence and discover their own individual creativity.

I also created CATS Club – Crafts, Art, Technology and Science, bringing together art, science and engineering in imaginative ways. Often inspired by nature, these sessions encourage children to explore, experiment and see the creative connections between the world of art and the world around them.

Exhibitions & Community Projects

My work takes me beyond the studio, from galleries, exhibitions and art fairs to collaborative projects within the community. I love the variety this brings to my practice I enjoy exhibiting my own work alongside other artists, while also using art to connect people, explore ideas and bring creativity into shared spaces.

Selected Art Exhibitions

  • The Urban Art Fair
  • Carshalton Artists Open Studios
  • Bath Art Fair
  • The Affordable Fair with Graham Hunter Gallery 2024
  • Thomas Henry Gallery Cornwall
  • Small Winter, The point Contemporary, Norfolk
  • Aldeburgh Galler (mixed Summer show 25 & 26)
  • Solo Exhibition at Aldeburgh Gallery 2026
  • Headline artist at the Biscuit Factory May-July 2026
  • Sussex Contemporary & National Trust – The Future of Arts and Crafts, Inspired by Standen 2026

Thoughts and Articles

What People Say

I bought a couple of paintings from Jo Sharpe. She came to my house to discuss sizes and colours so that the artworks would go nicely with my colour schemes. I ended up buying a medium-sized still life and an oil painting of a tree from nearby Oaks park. Jo let me try the art on my walls before I decided to buy which was really helpful. I found Jo to be both professional and patient. Jo is currently working on a special commission for me for another room.
Alice De Maria
We really liked Jo's work, vibrant and contempory. When we expressed an interest in buying, she was very accomodating bringing some of her paintings to our home and was able to adapt her work to fit perfectly with our colour scheme and decoration. We are delighted with the finished work and would highly recommend Jo for beautiful and affordable paintings.
Richard Pope
Hi Jo A very belated thank you for sending the painting off to me so quickly - I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to let you know it arrived safely. It is absolutely beautiful! I wish I could have afforded to buy the larger one too but am so happy that I have this one. I now have to decide where in my house to display it to its best advantage... I want everyone to see it and enjoy it too! Thank you so much and I hope very much to be able to buy some more pieces from you in the future. Best wishes
Catrin
From the first meeting Jo was very amenable and responsive to providing an art lesson for 11, most of whom were self professed ‘non-artists’. Jo assured me that we would all leave with a recognisable portrait!! There was still some trepidation amongst the 11. Clear instructions were given, and we all proceeded to paint. The atmosphere was very relaxing and the process very calming and mindful, as well as being a lot of fun! At the end we were all pleasantly surprised at what we had managed to produce under Jo’s tutelage, one participant said, “it’s the best thing I’ve ever painted”. The morning finished with lunch in the café, perfect! We would definitely recommend Jo’s art lessons to anyone.
Lynn Young