Janet (Jan) Nelson was born in Glasgow and brought up on the east coast of Scotland. She is a self-taught artist, who studied for three years at Leith School of Art in Edinburgh, and has painted for over 30 years. Starting on a part time basis, she earned a living in the world of commerce until, encouraged by the popularity of her paintings, she took up her full time career as an artist in 2008.

As well as sailing on the East and West Coasts of Scotland Jan previously lived in Leicestershire, where she regularly raced as crew on a Hunter Formula One at Rutland Water. A highlight of time spent racing was a thrilling week crewing on board one of the Round the World Clippers - ‘Derry Londonderry’ - during Cowes Week!

Jan’s time is divided between working at her studio in the lovely East Neuk of Fife, where she is based, and taking regular trips around the country to continue sailing whenever possible, which allows her to observe the changing scenery and seascapes and to find new ideas and inspiration.

Although the majority of her subject matter relates to the sea, Jan is an accomplished painter with not only a passion for movement and colour, but also for the landscape and images from nature. Her paintings can be found in numerous private collections worldwide and she exhibits and sells work regularly throughout the United Kingdom and internationally.