Lisa Graa Jensen
Biography
Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, Lisa Graa Jensen studied Graphic Design at Camberwell School of Art from 1975 to 1978. She subsequently worked as a full-time illustrator for clients including the Radio Times, BBC Publications for Schools, Puffin Books and Marshall Cavendish. In 1981–83 she worked as an Assistant Art Therapist at a nursing home in Godalming, Surrey, before becoming a full-time illustrator and artist in 1983.
Her work has appeared on jigsaws, calendars, greetings cards, books and magazines, including Country Life. She has exhibited at the CCA Galleries, Forest Gallery, Llewellyn Alexander Gallery, Red Rag Gallery and the Mall Galleries, among others. Recent awards include the Debra Manifold Prize (2020), Artists and Illustrators Award (2017) and Global Artist of the Year Award (2016). She is also a member of the Richmond Art Society and Worple Group, Wimbledon.
Artist Statement
Lisa Graa Jensen RI illustrates people and animals engaged in everyday life and domestic activities in a cheerful and colourful way. Life in a French farming village, travels on a narrow boat in England, and city life in Wimbledon provide recurring sources of inspiration.
She works with lightfast acrylic inks on gessoed linen, building images in layers using brushes, fingers, splattering and salt to disperse colour. Working primarily from memory and photographs, she prefers not to paint outdoors or with onlookers, allowing her to develop her work in a more private environment.