Jo Quigley

Jo Quigley is a contemporary British painter

celebrated for her sharply observed cityscapes and dynamic crowd scenes. Working primarily in acrylic on canvas, her paintings offer a structured yet vibrant take on urban life, capturing both the architectural rhythm and the social energy of public spaces. Drawing inspiration from well-known city landmarks-such as London's South Bank or the sunlit promenades of coastal towns-Quigley composes her scenes from slightly elevated perspectives, allowing for a wider visual sweep that highlights movement, pattern, and human interaction.

Born and raised in the UK, Jo Quigley trained at Winchester School of Art before going on to earn a Master's degree in Fine Art from Kingston University. Her academic background in both studio practice and art theory has deeply informed her methodical approach to painting. Her early interest in realism and spatial composition evolved into a distinctive style that balances figurative precision with elements of abstraction, creating works that are immediately recognisable for their clean lines, thoughtful composition, and subtle use of colour.

At the heart of Quigley's work is a fascination with people-not as portraits of individuals, but as part of the collective energy that defines modern life. Her anonymous figures, often shown mid-stride or clustered in conversation, bring life and narrative to each canvas. They act as both compositional elements and as symbols of community, movement, and routine. Whether depicting commuters crossing a bridge, tourists exploring a cultural site, or families enjoying a day out, her paintings transform everyday urban encounters into striking visual stories.

Acrylic is Quigley's medium of choice, appreciated for its fast-drying properties and clarity of colour. She uses it to build crisp, light-filled compositions that convey both immediacy and control. Her palette is often subtle and harmonious, capturing the changing quality of daylight across built environments and open spaces. While her work appears tightly composed, there is an underlying fluidity that invites viewers to connect with the familiar rhythms of modern living.

Jo Quigley's paintings have been exhibited widely in galleries across the UK, and her work is held in numerous private and public collections. She has shown with galleries in London, Bath, Surrey, and Oxford, and her pieces regularly feature in art fairs and curated group exhibitions. Her paintings are particularly sought after by collectors drawn to the balance of realism, abstraction, and narrative within her work.

In addition to her painting practice, Quigley has a background in education and continues to share her knowledge through workshops and artist talks. Her deep understanding of both technical skill and conceptual development makes her work resonate with a broad audience, from seasoned collectors to those discovering contemporary art for the first time.

Now based in Surrey, Jo continues to explore new urban environments and crowd interactions through her evolving body of work. Whether capturing a rainy London afternoon or a sun-drenched café terrace, her paintings celebrate the quiet drama of shared spaces and the visual poetry of everyday life.