John Haysom
Illustrator

John Haysom exhibition at Lantic Gallery, Tiverton Exhibition runs from 10th until 31st May 2008

Having trained at Winchester and Harrow schools of art John Haysom began his career as an illustrator working in television, publishing and advertising here in the UK and internationally. His work ranged widely from Jackanory to the launch of the Mini Metro and his Children’s Bible has sold over two and a half million copies worldwide.

In the 80’s he left London and moved to Devon where he began to concentrate more on his painting. After finding a publisher, he then went on to become their most successful figurative artist with a range of open and limited edition prints, which became increasingly sought after.

The exhibition will feature his new work, as he has begun working on a new set of drawings, caricatures and paintings, largely using people as subjects for ideas. Frequently humorous, sometimes satirical the drawings are mostly dreamed up from his imagination fuelled by a visual memory developed over 30 years. In many cases they are left in their raw state as working charcoal drawings or colour sketches so that the energy and liveliness of the creative process is not lost through ‘tidying up’.

Alongside his more illustrative work John’s exhibitions also include landscape, still life and figure paintings in oil, pastel and watercolour.

He and his wife Gilly, a potter, live in the beautiful Exe valley. They have a son and a daughter, both of whom are pursuing separate careers as young artists in their own right.