The Head of Art at Bradford Grammar School is exhibiting a selection of her most recent work at The Christmas Show, Bingley Gallery. This follows a theme of ongoing exhibitions, including the artworks displayed in Sunny Bank Mills and Aldos restaurant in Cleckheaton.
The former pupil at Heckmondwike Grammar School, began her career as a designer and painter after leaving Batley Art College. Her main subjects in recent years have been still life and landscapes.
The selection at Bingley Gallery is from a concentration of new paintings completed throughout spring and summer. Working to private commissions and gallery presentations in the UK and overseas, Josie combines her work in the studio with art education as Head of Department, teaching Art through to A Level, itself famous for its close relationship with David Hockney.
The Preview evening was a great success and extremely well attended, some of the visitors included parents and students of BGS both past and present. Katy Ball who is an ex-student of Josie’s said ‘’what an inspiration Miss Barraclough is to all her students. Her work is so vibrant and colourful my family and I consider it an honour to have been invited to the preview’’.
Inspired by experiences whilst travelling and naturalistic elements her work has developed in an expressive style using a variety of media – predominantly oil on canvas powerful in both subject matter and colour. It reflects familiar natural themes, recognisable form, colour and texture.
There are also highlights of cultural influences inspired by her travel throughout Europe and residence and journey throughout Australia.
The Art Department and their students also play a significant part in fundraising recently having exhibited their work in the biannual exhibition at the Sunny Bank Mills Galley in Farsley raising close to £900 for St. Gemma’s Hospice.
The Christmas Show exhibit is open Thursday to Friday, 12pm to 6pm, and on weekends Saturday to Sunday 10am to 5pm.
“What an inspiration Miss Barraclough is to all her students.
Her work is so vibrant and colourful my family and I consider it an honour to have been invited to the preview.”
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