Welcome — I’m Jo Starkey, a Sussex-based artist who brings the magic of nature to life through contemporary floral and landscape art. Inspired by the English countryside, I create paintings that capture wildflower meadows, glowing woodlands and peaceful open fields in vibrant colour and rich, expressive detail. My work blends realism with abstraction, inviting you to bring the beauty, atmosphere and calm of the natural world into your home.

Growing up in the countryside, I developed a deep appreciation for nature and the tranquility of the rural landscape. This love, combined with my artistic inclinations, led me to explore the world of art and design. Being a nature enthusiast, I strive to depict the essence and enchantment of the natural world in my artwork. Utilizing a layering technique, I build depth and richness in my pieces using acrylics and mixed media. Texture plays a significant role in my work, and accents of gold and silver consistently thread through my creations.

I work from my studio at the Turner Dumbrell Workshops in Ditchling, East Sussex. My work is represented by Buckinghamshire Fine Art, exhibiting through their own and affiliated galleries, and collected by buyers across the UK and internationally.

Alongside my studio practice, I also run SEASONAL LANDSCAPE PAINTING CLASSES and PAINTING WORKSHOPS where I teach the techniques that I use in my own work.

These sessions have become a rewarding and integral part of my artistic career, offering others the opportunity to explore their creative side.

My artistic style is defined by luminous colour palettes, layered textures and shimmering mixed-media details. I work primarily in acrylics, building depth through a careful layering process using paints, gels and mediums to create atmospheric, multi-dimensional surfaces. Alongside my more stylised contemporary pieces, I also love creating organic landscapes that capture the realism of nature — using natural palettes, softer transitions and a gentler, more authentic interpretation of the landscape.

Raised details — such as sculpted petals or textured foliage — bring a tactile quality to my work, while touches of gold or silver metallic highlights catch the light and give each painting a gentle shimmer. I often use bold contemporary colours to give familiar natural scenes a modern, uplifting feel. I describe my woodland pieces as “abstract realism” and my floral paintings as “stylised contemporary florals.”

Nature is at the heart of everything I create. I’m inspired by the rural English countryside — wildflower meadows, poppy fields, hedgerows, shifting grasses and sunlit woodland paths. Growing up in a country village and now living in rural Sussex, I’ve always felt deeply connected to the landscape around me.

I often take photographs on my walks and later reinterpret them on canvas or board, capturing not only what I see, but the feeling, light and atmosphere of each place.

My work spans three main collections: Floral, Landscape, and Trees & Woodland. Many of my originals are exhibited in UK galleries through Buckinghamshire Fine Art and other gallery partners.

I’ve worked as a professional artist for many years. I was previously represented by DeMontfort Fine Art (Clarendon Fine Art), where I exhibited extensively and sold a large collection of original work. My paintings have been widely reproduced by publishers including Whistlefish and Artko, and have appeared on the covers of several magazines.

I offer commissions and create personalised paintings tailored to your chosen size, palette and atmosphere. The process is simple and collaborative, usually taking six to eight weeks. Many clients request bespoke pieces inspired by sold originals, and I’m always happy to help refine ideas on composition and colour.
I also offer flexible payment plans if needed.

My paintings are known for their blend of realism, expressive abstraction and shimmering texture. I’ve exhibited at the Mall Galleries’ ING Discerning Eye exhibition and am represented in several UK galleries. My reputation is supported by consistent collector demand, published prints, and fully booked workshops.

Above all, my work is driven by a love of nature and a desire to create uplifting, atmospheric art that brings joy and a sense of calm into people’s homes.

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