Self Portrait with Orchid
Introducing Sarah Jane Moon
We are fortunate to have Sarah Jane as a tutor at Cranmer Studio. Her work is in the collections of the National Portrait Gallery, Soho House and the James Wallace Trust. Sarah Jane is Chair of the Contemporary British Portrait Painters and Director of the Portrait Diploma at Heatherleys. We asked her to write about her practice and her experience tutoring here at Cranmer.
"I am a British - New Zealand painter based in London, best known for my large, gestural portraits of people I admire and respect. Often these are people who are carving out their own path in their chosen field, whether in landscape design, writing, medicine or leadership. I am drawn to a certain lack of self consciousness in people and to those who are committed to living life on their own terms, being honest with themselves and the world about who they are. Many of the people I paint are from the LGBTQIA+ community, of which I am also a part.
Alongside portraiture, I paint landscapes and still life, much of which is personal and autobiographical, incorporating places dear to me, people I am pleased to know and objects that hold particular significance. I am drawn to clothing and the descriptive possibilities of painting the full length figure, from shoes and suits to the small details that communicate something about a person’s identity. My New Zealand upbringing has informed my affinity for saturated, celebratory colour. I love bold, vibrant combinations, placing one colour against another to create energetic tension and use generous quantities of oil paint to retain a sense of physicality, gesture and dynamism.
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Visiting Norfolk to lead several workshops at Cranmer Studio was a real treat. I loved the atmosphere and the care and attention to detail put into making the courses happen. There was a wonderful sense of space, not just to make work but to think, reflect and take risks creatively. I find changing geographical setting incredibly valuable, as it allows you to step outside your usual routine and gain a little perspective on your life and practice. The expanse of Holkham Beach, with its vast coastline, pine trees and sand dunes, reminded me so much of New Zealand and made me feel completely at home. Just as memorable were the people I met, the remarkable conversations we shared and the convivial atmosphere of connection and support that developed over the sessions. It felt like a particularly warm environment in which to spend time looking, drawing and painting.
I am already looking forward to returning to Cranmer Studio in 2027. I think it is a wonderful place to take time out, reconnect with your practice and consider whether you are on track with creative goals. Whatever stage you are at in your painting practice, I hope you might join me. I’d love to meet you there."
Paintings by Sarah Jane
Cat Dixon - above, Studio afternoon - below left, Vance LaRoy - below right)
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View our gallery to see works by Sarah Jane.