Jemma Derbyshire

Paintbox Tutor & Fine Artist

I’m Jemma, and I am the co-founder of Paintbox School of Art! I studied Drawing and Painting at Edinburgh College of Art, graduating in 2008.

Alongside running Paintbox with Lynsey, I am the Principal Tutor at the School. I teach a number of courses including the Landscape Course, Mentoring Course, Professional Development Course and a number of Short Course. I LOVE teaching – it is a great passion of mine. I love working with people and ‘seeing inside their minds’. For me, the most important thing is teaching to the individual – getting to know what drives them, and bringing the best out of their practice. I absolutely love it! No two days are the same, but the buzz of sparking creatively with someone never looses it’s excitement!

I am also a practicing Artist and exhibit widely throughout the UK.

I am fortunate enough to have a studio shed in my garden, meaning I can zoom in there after a day of teaching! I find the balance between teaching and my own practice is really important – they each feed into one another, and I often solve dilemmas in my own work, when talking to others about their work!‌

I have a wonderful rescue Lurcher called Mouse – she places an important role at Paintbox too! She is my sidekick and great company!‌

Aside from my Artist endeavours, I love being outside, climbing, walking, running, coffee, nice mugs (preferably filled with coffee!), music and cooking!