The Big Painting Challenge – Get to know Jane Voss

Jane Voss and The Big Painting Challenge 2018 contestants.

The Big Painting Challenge is now back on our screens! We wrote a short blogpost about this last week, however we thought you’d like to get to know the programme on a more personal level. Therefore we contacted a customer of ours who just happens to be on this year’s series. Jane Voss is now based in Lytham St Annes, not far from our Blackpool store. The owner of an ice cream parlour and now a contestant on artist’s favourite show, The Big Painting Challenge… How did this happen? I took some time to ask her some questions. Get to know Jane with us!

Have you always enjoyed art, Jane?

I’ve always been interested in art, even from a very young age. I remember pulling up my Mum’s coffee table in front of the TV, with a piece of paper, tin of paints and a table knife, trying to replicate a woman on telly using thick rich paint with a palette knife. As a kid my treats weren’t sweets or chocolate, it was going to ‘Woolies’ and buying even more pencils to add to my collection!

Janie (sp) 2017 - Jane Voss

Seems art was such a great interest to you, did you choose to study it?

My interest carried on through school, I did GCSE and A Level however I never got brilliant grades as some teachers dismissed my creativeness. I went onto do a BTEC, which eventually got me into Bretton Hall College to study a degree in Arts & Education, my aim to go into teaching. I did do a little painting, amongst other disciplines, however I concentrated more on light and how it affected images.

Did you begin teaching art?

After gaining my PGCE for teaching, I somehow fell into teaching Basic Skills and IT in a training foundation in Wiltshire. I still don’t know how I landed that job! However, I was good at teaching people who had little or no qualifications in English, Maths and IT. Truth was that as I developed my skills in teaching, the less I painted and drew for pleasure as lesson plans, marking and general “administration” took over my life.

From art and teaching to ice cream, how did this happen?

Fast forward near enough 20 years. We moved to Lytham St Annes because I wanted a change of pace for my family. We set up Silly Moos Ice Cream Parlour in St Annes.

Was there a particular piece of artwork that inspired you to apply for the show? Had you been developing as an artist a lot at the time?

I had painted a few new pieces, nothing special in my eyes but I enjoyed the process. I had been talking to my son about getting involved and reaching high when an e-mail pinged into my inbox, a reminder of the closing date for The Big Painting Challenge. “Why not try” a little voice said, “…live for now” so, I applied there and then!

Christmas Lino 2016 - Jane Voss

Now knowing that you received a place on the show, I’m very eager to find out what happened next!

To my complete and utter surprise, I received a phone call the next day from one of the researchers! We had a great chat; it must have been for about 20 minutes at least. She said that if I was to be selected, that I would receive a phone call. About 2 weeks after the closing date, I had heard nothing, but thought little about it as I knew there must be hundreds of applications for the show. I got an urgent email asking me to call the BBC, as they’d tried to contact me for a few days (only realising that my phone was entirely dead!) I was invited to audition at BBC Birmingham’s Mail Box the following weekend.

I can imagine that once you had your place confirmed, things moved pretty swiftly from there…

The next few weeks were a bit of a blur. I had a team come to film my back-story, had so many calls from the BBC to ensure that things were OK. It came to the weekend of first filming; I had serious doubts about my skills and abilities.

You had no reason to doubt yourself; you’re doing brilliantly so far. Has it been unusual being in the filming/ television environment?

Filming on set is summed up in one word, HARD. There is lots of waiting around whilst the set is being constructed and lighting is perfect. A lot happens before you are introduced to the challenge of the day.

Overall, how would you sum up the whole experience on The Big Painting Challenge?

In all honesty I have enjoyed every minute of the experience, from the auditions right the way through to the end. I am trying not to be afraid of criticism; this has always been a fear of mine.

What would your advice be to anyone who might consider entering art competitions, exhibitions or bettering themselves as an artist?

My advice would be, go for it! You only live once; you have to cram in as much into your life to make it exciting and enjoyable for YOU.

How has the show changed you as an artist?

My artwork is ‘freer’ and less complicated. I am trying out new techniques so that I’m not worrying about the fine marks; I’m also thinking more before I begin my pieces.

It sounds as if you’re becoming more comfortable as an artist, which is brilliant. Finally, what are your most used and favourite art products?

I’m using mostly acrylics and Winsor & Newton inks on the same canvas, also loving watercolour with inks on top to bring out vibrancy. A new product for me is the XL Graphite Sticks by Derwent.

Winsor & Newton inks, 14ml individuals

Acrylic paint

Derwent products

I’d like to thank Jane for allowing us to get an insight into her artistic life and her experience on the BBC show The Big Painting Challenge, it’s been a very interesting chat with a lady that is sure to go far within the British art community. We have recently been made aware that Chris Davies is also a customer of ours; it’s exciting to know that we’re providing art products for such great developing artists. To see Jane and Chris on the show this weekend, watch BBC One on Sunday at 6pm. This show is predominantly amateur artists attending a boot camp, allowing the artistic audience to grow with them whilst watching the techniques develop each weekend. Who do you think will be the winner? 

Please continue the conversation on our social media sites.

Jane Voss Art
BBC - The Big Painting Challenge