Artist in Focus - Jennifer Verny-Franks

Jennifer was born in North Wales and raised in an extended family of painters, poets, writers and musicians. Her mother's studio was her playroom and she was encouraged to draw and experiment with painting materials from an early age. She was trained at Central Saint Martins, with a background in illustration and fine art.

Jennifer worked as an art therapist in a psychiatric hospital, an art teacher, a freelance illustrator and even as a set designer for amateur dramatic groups. She takes her characters from local people and tries to weave visual stories around them, conveying a gentle amusement and great affection.