Jess Hinsley is an artist based in Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons), Wales. Her work explores her love of nature and wild places. This passion leads her out into the mountains, and flows out through quick, spontaneous marks. Sometimes painting plein air with acrylic paint, sometimes making expressive works in her studio, her use of colour reflects the richness she sees in the landscape. For Jess the mountains are home, a healing place, alive beneath her feet.

“I feel awe and joy in the mountains, I feel at home, grounded and healed when I’m in or on them. I recently learnt that feeling awe is really good for us, studies show that it makes us happier, healthier, more humble, more generous, more connected with the people around us, and it even improves our critical thinking. I really recognise this as true, I feel noticeably happier when I’ve been in the mountains. I think there are two aspects to my work: I paint as a way to understand the mountains, and as an extension of my love for them; I also hope to conjure those feelings of awe and joy in other people when they look at my work.”