Meet the Tutor: Ink, Illumination, and Botanical Beauty with Jan Mehigan
- Gemma Gittins
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
As both a calligrapher and a botanical artist, Jan Mehigan sits gracefully at the intersection of structure and nature. Working from her wonderfully spacious home studio, Jan likes to create art that celebrates the fine details of the natural world with the added sparkle of illumination.
We talk about David Attenborough, a very famous caterpillar, and her four-legged companion, Bailey.
From Hockney to the Natural History Museum
Jan’s inspiration is inspired by both contemporary works and the raw beauty of the earth.
When asked whose sketchbook she’d most like to explore, she splits her vote between two visual titans: botanical artist Billy Showell and the legendary David Hockney.
Her love for the natural world doesn't stop at art, though. Her absolute favourite museum is the Natural History Museum in London. "I love nature," Jan explains, adding with a smile, "and I am a huge fan of David Attenborough!"
The Joy of a Large Creative Space
Behind the camera, Jan has a lovely, light studio space up in the eaves. Like many of our tutors, her room reflects the realities of being a busy artist. "It gets messy sometimes," she admits, "but I have plenty of desk drawers, shelves, and plastic boxes to use for tidying up!”
While she works away, fuelled simply by a comforting cup of tea, Jan is usually joined by her wonderful, furry companion, Bailey.
"My studio assistant is a lovely, quiet Shetland sheepdog," she says. Not much of a bother when she is working, but "He is happy to remind me when it is dinner time!"
Taking the First Leap
Even with decades of experience, starting a new piece brings a familiar sense of hesitation. For Jan, the secret is simply taking the plunge. "A blank page can be a worry until you make the first mark," she reflects. "Then you are committed, and that is a good incentive!"
Whilst choosing just three items for a ‘Desert Island Toolkit’ is a near-impossible task, Jan knows her essentials: a good calligraphy dip pen, a large sable watercolour brush, and rich walnut ink. "However," she laughs, "I would also like to sneak in my illumination tools, and some watercolour and gouache too!"
Beyond the Studio Door
When she isn't teaching her beautiful lettering work at Ardington, Jan is happiest outside in the fresh air; you’ll likely find her in the garden or walking her Sheltie. Bailey is a fan of the park behind their house, but Jan loves a walk with a view of the sea and the coast. Lucky for her, the sea is never too far away from her home on Hayling Island.
Her bookshelves are packed with modern and historical non-fiction as well as rafts of art and craft books. But tucked amongst them is a family favourite classic. "A copy of the very innovative The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle," Jan shares. "Bought a very long time ago for my children!"
And as for what’s next on her creative bucket list? The urge to learn never fades. Jan would love to try her hand at the vibrant world of silk painting.
A few of Jan's favourite things:
Favourite Colour: Blue
Favourite Smell: ‘Dolce Vita’ by Dior
Favourite Time to Create: The morning
Favourite View: The sea and the coast
Any Final Words of Wisdom?
Make that very first mark - let the magic take over and the worry disappear.
Thank you so much to Jan for sharing a little glimpse into her life with us!
If you'd like to take a class with Jan, whether it is calligraphy or watercolour botanicals, we have classes running throughout the year.
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